The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), organised a one-day workshop on “Road Asset Management Systems & Predictive Analysis” on August 24, 2026. The workshop was held at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium and brought together experts from academia, government, research institutions and industry.
The event focused on strengthening modern approaches to Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) and exploring the role of predictive analytics in improving pavement performance, maintenance planning and life-cycle cost management.
Focus on Data-Driven Road Management
Road networks represent vital public infrastructure, making their efficient management essential for ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective mobility. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss scientific and data-driven methods for managing road assets.
The deliberations particularly examined how predictive analysis, improved data acquisition and life-cycle costing can support better maintenance decisions and help road agencies optimise infrastructure investments over the entire life of a road.
The inaugural session was attended by Shri Rajesh Verma, IAS, Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, as the Chief Guest. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Sampath Kumar Pasupunuri, Scientist ‘E’ and Workshop Coordinator, provided an overview of the workshop and its objectives.
Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Professor at IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee, National Coordinator, SPARC, also addressed the participants. Shri Rajesh Verma delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of effective infrastructure management. The inaugural session concluded with the felicitation of the Chief Guest and dignitaries, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Scientist ‘G’ and Head, Pavement Evaluation Division, CSIR-CRRI.
Experts Discuss Emerging RAMS Practices
The technical programme featured keynote lectures by Prof. Manoranjan Parida and Dr. N. C. Pal. Subsequent sessions examined practical aspects of road asset management, implementation challenges and case studies.
Industry experts shared perspectives on emerging technologies and solutions that can strengthen road asset management practices. Discussions also covered data acquisition and whole-life costing for road networks, with contributions from Sh. Anukul Saxena, Dr. Bhavesh Jain, Sh. Rohit Mane, Mrs. Prerna Kalra, Dr. Anand Sreeram, Sh. Neeraj Chadha and Prof. Indrajit Ghosh.
A major attraction of the workshop was the demonstration of the Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Tool for Indian Roads. Prof. Kranthi Kumar Kuna and Sh. Soumyarup Biswas demonstrated the tool, enabling participants to understand how life-cycle cost considerations can be incorporated into decisions related to road infrastructure planning, maintenance and investment.
Panel Discussion on Wider Adoption
The workshop concluded its technical sessions with a panel discussion titled “From Pilot to Practice: What Will It Take to Make RAMS a Routine Part of Road Agency Decision-Making?”
The discussion brought together representatives from academia, government and industry to explore practical pathways for expanding the adoption of RAMS and integrating it into routine decision-making by road agencies. The panel featured Sh. L. P. Padhy, Prof. S. S. Mohapatra, Prof. Amit Goel, Prof. Nikhil Sabu, Sh. Sunil Jain and Prof. A. K. Singh.
The event underscored the growing importance of integrating road asset management, predictive analytics, reliable data acquisition and whole-life costing into infrastructure planning. Participants emphasised that such approaches can help road agencies move towards more proactive maintenance, efficient resource utilisation and improved long-term road performance.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony at CSIR-CRRI, providing an important platform for knowledge sharing, professional interaction and collaboration among stakeholders working towards more sustainable and efficient road infrastructure management in India.
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]
