CAQM Signs Pact to Cut Dust Pollution in Delhi-NCR

16 Jun 2025 CW Team

In a strategic move to tackle dust pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has entered into a tripartite agreement with the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA). Signed on Tuesday, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to implement a standardised urban road redevelopment framework across key NCR cities.

The initiative will focus on paving and greening footpaths and sidewalks—measures considered vital for reducing road dust, a significant contributor to poor air quality. A Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) will be set up within CAQM, supported technically and institutionally by CRRI and SPA. The PMC will oversee the phased rollout of the programme across selected cities.

In the initial phase, nine cities have been shortlisted: Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, and Neemrana. These cities were chosen in consultation with state governments and the Delhi administration, based on their dense urban and industrial presence.

The redevelopment framework comprises scientific redesign of road cross-sections, integration of green buffers along the right of way (ROW), and use of a web-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for regular monitoring and maintenance. Emphasis will also be placed on adopting new construction technologies for better dust control.

CRRI and SPA will assist with recruitment, training, and continuous project guidance. A digital dashboard is also planned to enable real-time tracking of progress on individual projects.

Officials stressed that transforming urban roads with science-backed designs, sustainable greenery, and modern construction techniques is crucial for controlling road dust and achieving long-term improvements in regional air quality.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..