On June 10, 2026, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to evaluate road performance and design, monitor construction quality, and enhance the capacity of MCD engineers and staff. On this occasion, a bilateral technology management agreement was also signed to implement ‘ECOFIX’—an iron and steel slag aggregate-based technology for the rapid repair of potholes—developed by CSIR-CRRI.
The objective of this partnership is to enhance the quality, durability, and sustainability of Delhi’s road infrastructure by adopting scientific road assessment, quality assurance, and new maintenance technologies.
Addressing the gathering, MCD Commissioner and IAS officer Mr. Sanjeev Khirwar emphasized the importance of technology-driven approaches in the planning and maintenance of urban roads. He stated that this collaboration would strengthen the MCD’s technical capabilities and enable repair work to be carried out more rapidly and sustainably with the help of technologies like ECOFIX.
While welcoming the dignitaries, Dr. Ch. Ravi Shekhar, Director of CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the institute’s seven-decade-long contribution to the road sector. He stated that this partnership would provide technical support to the MCD in areas such as road assessment, quality monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable technologies. He further added that technologies like Steel Slag Road Technology, ECOFIX, Rejupave, and MSS+ promote resource conservation, circular economy principles, and the reduction of carbon emissions.
A key highlight of this event was the signing of a technology management agreement for the use of ‘ECOFIX’. ECOFIX is a rapid and durable pothole repair technique developed using processed iron and steel slag aggregates. This technology supports the national vision of generating wealth from waste through sustainable road maintenance using industrial by-products, thereby enhancing durability and potentially reducing environmental impacts such as air pollution. Improved road conditions and timely maintenance are expected to reduce road dust, while the use of technologies based on steel slag and recycling promotes the conservation of natural resources and supports circular economy practices.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing robust, sustainable, and citizen-centric road infrastructure for the national capital. (PIB)
