Delhi signs pact for smart, green and dust-free roads

New Delhi: Delhi govt on Monday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) to introduce a scientific and technology-driven framework for road development, maintenance, greening and dust pollution control across the capital.

The agreement aims to make Delhi’s roads safer, more durable, environmentally friendly and better suited to future urban requirements. The initiative will implement a standard framework for paving and greening of urban roads, focusing on road safety, scientific redesign, streetscape development and sustainable urban infrastructure.

A major feature of the agreement is the development of road asset management system (RAMS), which will enable scientific assessment of road conditions, traffic load, structural capacity, maintenance requirements and service life. The system will create digital records of roads, facilitate regular condition assessments and help authorities prioritise maintenance and repair work.

The initiative also seeks to promote dust-free roads through the development of scientific green belts, plantation of local species, strengthened stormwater drainage systems and sustainable landscaping practices. Road slopes and drainage systems will be redesigned to address waterlogging during the monsoon, while pavement designs will incorporate technologies supporting groundwater recharge.

CM Gupta said govt is building an urban road ecosystem that is environmentally sustainable, safe and aligned with future needs. She said road maintenance would now move beyond conventional methods and be guided by scientific and data-based approaches.