By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: In a major push towards building smarter, greener and more sustainable urban infrastructure, the Delhi Government on Monday signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) to transform the capital’s road network through scientific planning and digital monitoring.
The agreement, signed under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to introduce a Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads, focusing on road safety, dust pollution control, urban beautification and climate-resilient infrastructure.
A key highlight of the initiative is the introduction of Delhi’s first comprehensive Road Asset Management System (RAMS), which will digitally monitor road conditions, traffic load, structural strength, maintenance needs and service life. The system is expected to enable data-driven decision-making, timely repairs and more efficient use of public resources.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is not merely constructing roads but building an environmentally sustainable urban road ecosystem aligned with future needs. She said the new framework would strengthen ongoing initiatives such as road carpeting, mechanised sweeping, dust-control measures, green corridors and water sprinkling systems.
The agreement also seeks to make Delhi a model for dust-free roads through scientific green belts, promotion of native plant species, improved rainwater harvesting and sustainable landscaping. To address monsoon-related waterlogging, road slopes and stormwater drainage systems will be redesigned, while pavement technologies supporting groundwater recharge will be incorporated.
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the collaboration marks a significant step towards creating a technology-driven and future-ready road infrastructure system. He noted that the partnership with premier institutions would help establish standardised practices for road development, greening, safety and dust control.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is intensifying efforts to curb dust pollution through large-scale roadside plantation drives and scientific road-cleaning mechanisms. He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to providing cleaner air, greener surroundings and better urban infrastructure for citizens.
Under the agreement, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical expertise in road engineering, pavement technology, road safety and asset management, while SPA will guide urban design, streetscape planning, landscaping and green infrastructure development. The collaboration is expected to create an integrated urban road model that balances functionality, aesthetics and environmental sustainability.
The Delhi Government expressed confidence that the initiative would position the capital as a national benchmark for modern, citizen-centric and environmentally responsible road infrastructure.
