Delhi Government signs pact for smart, dust-free roads
The Delhi Government on Monday signed a major agreement with the Central Road Research Institute and the School of Planning and Architecture to introduce a scientific and technology-driven system for road construction, maintenance, and greening across the capital.
The tripartite Memorandum of Agreement was signed under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as part of the government’s plan to make Delhi’s roads safer, cleaner, greener, and more durable. The agreement brings together the Public Works Department, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, and the School of Planning and Architecture to develop a standard framework for paving, greening, and managing urban roads.
The Chief Minister said the government was not only building roads but creating a complete urban road ecosystem designed for future needs. She said the initiative would help tackle challenges such as traffic pressure, air pollution, and waterlogging through scientific and data-based planning.
The project includes the development of a Road Asset Management System, or RAMS, for the first time in Delhi. Under the system, roads will be digitally monitored to assess traffic load, structural strength, maintenance needs, and road life. The system will maintain detailed digital records and help authorities identify repair requirements in advance. Officials said the technology-driven mechanism would improve road quality while ensuring better use of public funds through priority-based maintenance planning.
The Government also plans to introduce measures aimed at reducing dust pollution on roads. Scientific green belts will be developed along roadsides, and local plant species will be promoted for landscaping and environmental improvement. Rainwater harvesting systems and improved stormwater drainage networks will also form part of the new framework.
To address monsoon-related flooding, road slopes and drainage systems will be redesigned. Authorities said future pavement designs would also include features that support groundwater recharge.
The agreement assigns specific roles to the participating institutions. CSIR-CRRI will provide technical expertise related to road engineering, pavement technology, safety standards, and asset management. The School of Planning and Architecture will focus on urban design, streetscape planning, landscaping, and public space development.
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh described the agreement as a major step towards creating a future-ready road infrastructure system in Delhi. He said the government was developing a data-driven model for road construction and maintenance with the support of leading technical institutions. Singh said the framework would standardise road development, greening, safety measures, and dust-control systems across the capital.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative would help improve air quality while providing citizens with cleaner and safer public spaces. Senior officials, scientists, and experts from various departments attended the signing ceremony held in Delhi.