Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said the Delhi government is developing a Road Asset Management System (RAMS) in collaboration with expert bodies to improve the maintenance of roads across the city and address challenges such as increasing traffic, air pollution and waterlogging.
The government has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) for the initiative.
According to a statement, Gupta said road maintenance in Delhi will move beyond traditional methods and be carried out through a scientific and data-driven system. She said that, given the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and rising traffic loads, Delhi is developing the Road Asset Management System for the first time to plan and maintain roads using scientific and data-based approaches.
The chief minister said the system will create a digital record of roads, facilitate regular condition assessments and enable maintenance and repair planning based on priority.
Gupta said a key objective of the agreement with CSIR-CRRI and SPA is to make Delhi a model for dust-free roads. As part of the initiative, scientific green belts will be developed along roadsides, local plant species will be promoted, rainwater harvesting and stormwater drainage systems will be strengthened, and sustainable landscaping practices will be adopted to make roads greener, cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
She added that the government will address waterlogging through improved road slopes and a redesigned stormwater drainage system.
Under the MoA, CSIR-CRRI will provide technical support in road engineering, pavement technology, road safety and asset management. SPA will offer expert guidance on urban design, streetscape planning, public space development, urban landscaping and green infrastructure.
Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said the agreement marks an important step towards developing the capital’s road infrastructure in a modern, scientific and future-ready manner.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is undertaking large-scale efforts to reduce dust pollution through the plantation of local and environmentally suitable tree species.
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