CSIR-CRRI & MCD forge strategic partnership for sustainable pavement rehabilitation

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on June 10 for functional and structural evaluation of roads, construction quality supervision, and capacity building of MCD engineers and staff.

On this occasion, a Bi-partite Technology Management Agreement was also signed to implement ECOFIX, an iron and steel slag aggregate-based instant pothole repair technology developed by CSIR-CRRI.

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The partnership aims to enhance the quality, durability, and sustainability of Delhi’s road infrastructure through scientific road assessment, quality assurance, and the adoption of innovative maintenance technologies.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS, Commissioner, MCD, emphasised the importance of technology-driven approaches in urban road planning and maintenance.

He noted that the collaboration would strengthen MCD’s technical capabilities, enabling faster and more durable repairs through technologies such as ECOFIX.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the Institute’s seven decades of contributions to the road sector and stated that the partnership would provide technical support to MCD in road evaluation, quality supervision and deployment of sustainable technologies.

He added that technologies such as Steel Slag Road Technology, ECOFIX, Rejupave and MSS+ promote resource conservation, circular economy principles and reduced carbon emissions.

The initiative is being led by Satish Pandey, Head, Flexible Pavement Division, CSIR-CRRI, who is also the inventor of Steel Slag Road and ECOFIX technology.

He briefed the participants on the objectives and expected outcomes of the collaboration. He highlighted that scientific road evaluation, quality supervision and the adoption of advanced maintenance technologies would improve road serviceability, durability and lifecycle performance while minimising maintenance disruptions.

A key highlight of the programme was the signing of the Technology Management Agreement for the utilisation of ECOFIX, a rapid and durable pothole repair technology developed using processed iron and steel slag aggregates.

The technology supports the national vision of waste-to-wealth by utilising industrial by-products for sustainable road maintenance, improving the durability and environmental impact, such as air pollution. Improved road conditions and timely maintenance are expected to reduce road dust generation, while the use of steel slag and recycling-based technologies promotes conservation of natural resources and supports circular economy practices.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment towards developing resilient, sustainable and citizen-centric road infrastructure for the National Capital.