Dr Jitendra Launches First Phase of Advanced Indigenous Road Technologies in 16 Towns Including Jammu

NEW DELHI, Jul 16: The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) on Thursday began its year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations (July 16, 2026–July 16, 2027) with the launch of the first phase of nationwide implementation of advanced indigenous road infrastructure technologies across 16 towns and locations, including Jammu. The initiative aims to demonstrate and scale up innovative, sustainable road construction and maintenance solutions developed by CSIR-CRRI through collaborations with industry partners and implementing agencies. The celebrations were inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. Addressing the gathering, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among scientific institutions, industries and State governments to ensure wider adoption of indigenous technologies across the country. He said scientific research achieves its true purpose when innovations move beyond laboratories and are implemented on the ground. Before inaugurating the event, the Minister visited a technology exhibition and interacted with scientists, researchers and industry representatives. He reviewed several CSIR-CRRI-developed technologies in road engineering, pavement solutions, intelligent transportation systems, road safety and sustainable construction materials. During the programme, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the Automatic Modified Mix Seal Surfacing (MSS+) Smart Mix Pro Mixing Plant, introduced the AI-enabled Network Survey Vehicle (NSV) for road infrastructure assessment and dedicated the PATCH-FILL pothole repair technology. The Minister highlighted technologies such as Steel Slag Roads, Modified Mix Seal Surfacing (MSS+), Bio-Binder, EcoFix and RejuPave, saying these innovations support sustainable development by promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives, circular economy practices and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He called for faster implementation of successful technologies and suggested regular interaction with State Road Secretaries and Chief Engineers to facilitate their wider adoption. He also stressed the importance of involving industry partners from the early stages of technology development to accelerate commercialisation. A key highlight of the event was the transfer of several indigenous technologies to industry partners. LUMETRA, an advanced glare measurement technology, was licensed to Accurate Optics, Haryana. Technology Transfer Agreements for MSS+ Smart Mix Pro were signed with JMVD Industries Private Limited, Uttar Pradesh, and Ashok Road Equipment Manufacturers (India) Private Limited, Telangana. Bio-Binder technology was transferred to GWC Asphalt, Assam, and Goyat Biorefinery LLP, Haryana, while PAVE-SEAL, an air-cleaning nano-photocatalytic pavement sealing technology, was transferred to Bitumix India LLP, Assam. The Institute also entered into collaborations with CMSPL and NICMAR through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), besides signing Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) with HanuAI, TechFAB and Terra Climate for technology development and deployment. To mark the 75-year journey of CSIR-CRRI, Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled the Platinum Jubilee logo and released the Platinum Jubilee Planner (July 2026–July 2027) and CSIR-CRRI Annual Report 2025–26. He also felicitated recipients of the Asia Book of Records for their contributions to research and innovation. Dr Singh said CSIR-CRRI has emerged as a premier institution in roads, bridges, pavement engineering and transportation technologies, contributing significantly to India’s infrastructure growth. He noted that with the expansion of the National Highway network and rapid infrastructure development, the role of institutions like CSIR-CRRI has become increasingly important. Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Dr (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, said CSIR-CRRI technologies are currently being implemented on over 1,200 kilometres of roads across the country, including nearly 280 kilometres of Steel Slag Roads. She expressed confidence that wider partnerships with industry and States would help increase adoption of these technologies. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations reaffirm CSIR-CRRI’s commitment to developing safe, sustainable, climate-resilient and technology-driven transportation infrastructure through innovation, commercialisation and collaboration among government, academia and industry.