In a significant step towards improving urban road infrastructure, the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on June 10, 2026, to enhance road quality, durability and sustainability across the national capital. The agreement focuses on scientific road assessment, quality supervision during construction, and capacity building of MCD engineers and technical staff.
Alongside the MoA, both organizations also signed a Bi-partite Technology Management Agreement for the implementation of ECOFIX, an innovative instant pothole repair technology developed by CSIR-CRRI. The technology utilizes processed iron and steel slag aggregates, offering a sustainable and durable solution for road maintenance.
The partnership is expected to bring advanced engineering practices and innovative technologies into Delhi’s road management system. Through detailed functional and structural evaluations of roads, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical support to MCD in identifying infrastructure deficiencies and ensuring better construction standards. The collaboration will also focus on strengthening the technical expertise of MCD personnel through specialized training and capacity-building programmes.
Speaking at the event, MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar emphasized the growing importance of technology-driven solutions in urban infrastructure development. He stated that the collaboration would significantly enhance MCD’s technical capabilities and facilitate quicker, more reliable and long-lasting road repairs. He highlighted that technologies such as ECOFIX can help address common road maintenance challenges while improving service delivery for citizens.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director of CSIR-CRRI, underlined the institute’s longstanding contribution to India’s road sector over the past seven decades. He said the agreement would enable CSIR-CRRI to provide scientific and technical support for road evaluation, quality control and deployment of sustainable maintenance technologies across Delhi.
Dr. Sekhar also highlighted several innovative technologies developed by the institute, including Steel Slag Road Technology, ECOFIX, Rejupave and MSS+. According to him, these technologies support resource conservation, reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy principles by utilizing industrial by-products and recycled materials in road construction and maintenance.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Satish Pandey, Head of the Flexible Pavement Division at CSIR-CRRI and the inventor of both Steel Slag Road and ECOFIX technologies. During the programme, he explained the objectives and expected outcomes of the collaboration. He noted that scientific road assessments, strict quality supervision and adoption of advanced maintenance solutions would improve road durability, serviceability and overall lifecycle performance while reducing disruptions caused by frequent repairs.
One of the major highlights of the event was the formal adoption of ECOFIX technology for pothole repairs. The innovative solution is designed to provide rapid, durable and environmentally friendly repairs by using processed iron and steel slag aggregates. Beyond improving road quality, the technology contributes to the national waste-to-wealth mission by transforming industrial by-products into valuable construction materials.
Officials noted that better road maintenance and improved road conditions can significantly reduce dust generation and air pollution in urban areas. Additionally, the use of steel slag and recycling-based technologies helps conserve natural resources and supports sustainable development goals.
The programme was attended by several senior officials from both organizations, including Additional Commissioner L.D. Meghwal, Engineer-in-Chief Prem Chand Meena, Chief Engineer (Quality Control) Brijesh Kumar, Chief Engineer (Stores) Sandeep Malhotra, and Consultant (Planning) Maneesh Rastogi. Senior scientists from CSIR-CRRI, including Dr. Vinod Karar and Dr. K. Ravinder, were also present along with engineers, researchers and stakeholders from the urban infrastructure sector.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by CSIR-CRRI and MCD to develop resilient, sustainable and citizen-centric road infrastructure. By integrating scientific expertise with innovative technologies, the partnership aims to improve the quality of Delhi’s roads while advancing environmental sustainability and efficient urban governance.
Also Read: Haryana Partners with CSIR-CRRI to Launch Urban Road Greening Project for Cleaner NCR Air
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
