Delhi govt launches comprehensive road assessment for cleaner air

16 Feb 2024 CW Team

Initially, a survey will cover over 1500 km of roads maintained by the Public Works Department. Subsequently, roads maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority may also fall under the project's scope. The assessment of PWD-managed roads is expected to span six months from commissioning, involving a survey in the first month and data analysis and report preparation in the subsequent five months. The project is anticipated to commence in the next fiscal year.

A senior official from the Delhi government emphasised the importance of a well-maintained road network for reducing road accidents, minimising traffic congestion, and decreasing travel time. The official highlighted the need for an up-to-date assessment encompassing various parameters such as road quality, pavement condition, road safety, street furniture, and road design.

Officials pointed out that dust, whether from construction activities or roads, significantly contributes to PM10 and PM2.5 in ambient air. Dust's impact rises to 31-34% in summers and ranges from 6-15% during winters. The survey aims to pinpoint critical areas in the city with subpar road conditions and utilise the collected data to plan interventions like maintenance, repairs, or dust management.

The road assessment will be conducted using an accredited network survey vehicle (NSV) employing advanced techniques. NSVs can gather crucial information such as longitudinal and transverse profiling, pavement texture, road geometry data, and video imaging for roadside furniture and pavement surface distresses, even at high speeds. The environmental department has initiated the process to engage an agency for the exercise, and detailed reports will be required after each phase to facilitate corrective actions.

The environmental department of the Delhi government has opted to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the road conditions within the capital to identify areas with potholes, unpaved stretches, broken footpaths, and central verges. These issues contribute to air pollution and necessitate dust management interventions. Initially, a survey will cover over 1500 km of roads maintained by the Public Works Department. Subsequently, roads maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority may also fall under the project's scope. The assessment of PWD-managed roads is expected to span six months from commissioning, involving a survey in the first month and data analysis and report preparation in the subsequent five months. The project is anticipated to commence in the next fiscal year. A senior official from the Delhi government emphasised the importance of a well-maintained road network for reducing road accidents, minimising traffic congestion, and decreasing travel time. The official highlighted the need for an up-to-date assessment encompassing various parameters such as road quality, pavement condition, road safety, street furniture, and road design. Officials pointed out that dust, whether from construction activities or roads, significantly contributes to PM10 and PM2.5 in ambient air. Dust's impact rises to 31-34% in summers and ranges from 6-15% during winters. The survey aims to pinpoint critical areas in the city with subpar road conditions and utilise the collected data to plan interventions like maintenance, repairs, or dust management. The road assessment will be conducted using an accredited network survey vehicle (NSV) employing advanced techniques. NSVs can gather crucial information such as longitudinal and transverse profiling, pavement texture, road geometry data, and video imaging for roadside furniture and pavement surface distresses, even at high speeds. The environmental department has initiated the process to engage an agency for the exercise, and detailed reports will be required after each phase to facilitate corrective actions.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..