Delhi Government Partners with Experts to Create Dust-Free Roads

New Delhi:  In a decisive move to combat rising air pollution and improve urban infrastructure, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two premier scientific institutions: the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA).

The strategic partnership aims to transform the capital’s transit network by designing and implementing "dust-free roads." Under this agreement, CSIR-CRRI will provide cutting-edge engineering expertise, focusing on mechanical sweeping viability, advanced paving materials, and dust-suppression technologies. Concurrently, SPA will spearhead the urban planning aspect, ensuring that roadside landscaping, pavement designs, and drainage systems prevent soil erosion and silt accumulation.

Speaking on the initiative, government officials emphasized that road dust remains a primary contributor to Delhi's particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels. By integrating scientific research with structured urban design, the administration hopes to create a sustainable, scalable model for the entire National Capital Region (NCR).

The project will initially roll out as a pilot program across major high-traffic corridors before being expanded city-wide. This collaboration marks a significant shift from temporary mitigation measures, like smog towers and water sprinklers, toward long-term structural solutions. Residents can expect redesigned footpaths, better-managed green verges, and smarter road geometry aimed at keeping loose soil off the tarmac.