Delhi's municipal authorities and road research experts have entered into a new partnership aimed at evaluating road conditions, improving maintenance practices and testing a technology designed for rapid pothole repairs.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on June 10, 2026. The agreement covers road condition assessment, construction quality supervision and technical training for municipal engineers and staff.

A separate technology management agreement was also signed for the deployment of ECOFIX, a pothole repair technology developed by CSIR-CRRI that uses processed iron and steel slag aggregates.

Focus On Road Assessment And Quality Monitoring

According to the agreement, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical support for the functional and structural evaluation of roads managed by MCD. The collaboration will also include quality control measures during road construction and maintenance activities.

Officials said the initiative is intended to strengthen technical oversight of urban road infrastructure and support data-based decision-making for maintenance planning.

Road deterioration, potholes and maintenance-related disruptions remain recurring challenges for rapidly growing cities. Infrastructure experts have increasingly emphasized the role of scientific assessments and lifecycle-based maintenance strategies in improving road performance and managing long-term costs.

ECOFIX Technology To Be Deployed For Pothole Repairs

A key component of the partnership is the introduction of ECOFIX technology for pothole repair. Developed by CSIR-CRRI, the technology uses processed iron and steel slag, an industrial by-product generated by the steel sector.

According to the institute, the technology is designed to enable quicker repairs while utilizing recycled materials that might otherwise require disposal. The project also aligns with broader efforts to increase the use of industrial by-products in infrastructure projects.

The agreement follows ongoing research by CSIR-CRRI on alternative road construction materials, including steel slag-based road technologies, pavement rehabilitation techniques and recycling-focused maintenance systems.

Growing Interest In Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

The partnership comes as Indian cities face increasing pressure to upgrade aging infrastructure while managing environmental and resource constraints. Government agencies and research institutions have been exploring methods to extend pavement life, reduce maintenance frequency and incorporate recycled materials into public works projects.

Officials from both organizations said the collaboration will include technical guidance, capacity-building programmes and field implementation activities. The performance of ECOFIX and other technologies will be evaluated through deployment on roads under MCD's jurisdiction.

The initiative is expected to contribute data and operational experience that could inform future urban road maintenance practices in Delhi and other cities.