A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on 10 June 2026 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 for implementation of ECOFIX, an iron and steel slag aggregate-based instant pothole repair technology developed by CSIR-CRRI.
The partnership aims to enhance the quality, durability and sustainability of Delhi’s road infrastructure through scientific road assessment, quality assurance and adoption of innovative maintenance technologies.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS, Commissioner, MCD, emphasized the importance of technology-driven approaches in urban road planning and maintenance. He noted that the collaboration would strengthen MCD’s technical capabilities while enabling faster and more durable repairs through technologies such as ECOFIX.
Exchange of MoA between authorized representatives of CSIR-CRRI and MCD for Structural Assessment and Quality Control of MCD Roads
Exchange of MoA between authorized representatives of CSIR-CRRI and MCD for utilization of ECOFIX Technology for Instant Pothholr repair
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 Shri 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 adoption of advanced maintenance technologies would improve road serviceability, durability and lifecycle performance while minimizing maintenance disruptions.
A key highlight of the programme was the signing of the Technology Management Agreement for utilization 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 utilizing 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 programme was attended by senior officials from CSIR-CRRI and MCD, including Shri L.D. Meghwal, Additional Commissioner, MCD; Shri Prem Chand Meena, Engineer-in-Chief, MCD; Shri Brijesh Kumar, Chief Engineer (Quality Control), MCD; Shri Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Engineer (Stores), and Shri Maneesh Rastogi, Consultant (Planning) and Former Chief Engineer, MCD, Dr. Vinod Karar, Chief Scientist and Head, PME, Dr. K. Ravinder, Chief Scientist and Head ILT Division CSIR-CCRI along with scientists, engineers and other stakeholders from the urban infrastructure sector.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment towards developing resilient, sustainable and citizen-centric road infrastructure for the National Capital.
