**Executive Summary**
On June 10, 2026, the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Uttar Pradesh PWD and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi. The agreement initiates a project to operationalize the CAQM Standard Framework for paving and greening urban roads in the NCR region, following guidelines issued on January 7, 2025. The collaboration focuses on reducing road dust emissions and enhancing urban infrastructure through scientific planning and innovative technologies.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Project Objectives and Framework**
* **Operationalization of Guidelines:** The project aims to implement the "Standard Framework and Detailed Guidance Document for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads" issued by the CAQM on January 7, 2025.
* **Environmental Focus:** The primary goal is to mitigate road dust pollution and address air quality challenges in the National Capital Region (NCR).
* **Infrastructure Improvement:** The initiative seeks to enhance urban road infrastructure through sustainable design and integrated urban planning.
**Core Work Packages**
* **Standards Development:** Creation of specific space standards and road cross-sections for urban environments.
* **Dust Mitigation:** Implementation of greening measures within the right-of-way to capture and reduce road dust.
* **Maintenance Systems:** Deployment of Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) to improve long-term road maintenance practices.
* **Technological Innovation:** Promotion and application of innovative technologies in road construction.
**Implementation Strategy**
* **Collaborative Research:** The project utilizes a tripartite partnership between research institutions (CSIR-CRRI), planning agencies (SPA New Delhi), and state government bodies (UP PWD).
* **Model for Expansion:** The initiative is designed to serve as a model for scientifically planned road development and environmental management for other NCR states.
**Impact Analysis**
**CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi**
**Impact**
These institutions will act as the technical and planning leads, translating environmental guidelines into actionable engineering and design projects.
**Action Required**
They must jointly undertake the four major work packages, including developing space standards, greening measures, and RAMS implementation.
**Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Uttar Pradesh**
**Impact**
The PWD will be the primary state-level implementing agency responsible for enhancing road infrastructure and reducing emissions within its NCR jurisdiction.
**Action Required**
The department must collaborate with technical partners to implement the CAQM framework and adopt new maintenance and construction technologies across state urban roads.
**Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)**
**Impact**
The CAQM sees its policy framework and January 2025 guidance documents transition from theoretical guidelines to field-level implementation.
**Action Required**
The commission oversees the project's alignment with the broader air quality improvement mandates for the National Capital Region.
Key Entities Referenced
CAQM Standard Framework and Detailed Guidance Document for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads: The central policy document providing the technical framework and guidelines for mitigating road dust pollution and improving urban road infrastructure.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): The regulatory body responsible for issuing air quality guidelines and overseeing the implementation of environmental frameworks across the NCR.
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI): The primary research organization tasked with developing space standards, road cross-sections, and implementing Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS).
National Capital Region (NCR), Uttar Pradesh: The specific geographical jurisdiction where the MoA and road greening project are applicable.
Public Works Department (PWD), Uttar Pradesh: The state government department collaborating on the implementation of urban road infrastructure and dust emission reduction measures.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-CRRI Signs MoA with Government of Uttar
Pradesh for Implementation of CAQM
Framework on Paving and Greening of Urban
Roads
Posted On: 10 JUN 2026 9:58PM by PIB Delhi
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
with the PWD, Government of Uttar Pradesh and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New
Delhi, for the implementation of the project titled “The Implementation of the Standard Framework for
Paving and Greening of Urban Roads (Uttar Pradesh State - NCR Region)”. The MoA signing ceremony
was held at CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the
institute’s commitment to developing sustainable and scientific solutions for mitigating road dust pollution
and improving urban road infrastructure. He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts among
research institutions, planning agencies, and state governments in addressing air quality challenges in the
National Capital Region (NCR).
Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul, Director, SPA New Delhi, underscored the importance of integrated urban
planning and sustainable road design in creating cleaner and healthier urban environments. Dr. S. D. Atri,
Member (Technical), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), appreciated the efforts of CSIR-
CRRI and SPA New Delhi in translating the CAQM guidelines into actionable projects for the NCR states.
A brief overview on the project was presented by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Scientist-G and Head, Pavement
Evaluation Division, CSIR-CRRI, outlining the technical framework, implementation strategy, and
expected outcomes of the initiative. The project aims to operationalize the CAQM Standard Framework
and Detailed Guidance Document for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads issued on 7 January 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lokesh M., IAS, Secretary, Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly contribute to reducing road dust
emissions and enhancing urban road infrastructure across the state.
The MoA was formally exchanged among the participating organizations in the presence of senior
officials from CSIR-CRRI, CAQM, SPA New Delhi, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The ceremony
was followed by vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Vinod Karar, Scientist-G and Head, PME Division,
CSIR-CRRI.
The initiative forms part of a larger effort to implement the CAQM framework across NCR states. Under
the project, CSIR-CRRI and SPA New Delhi will jointly undertake activities covering four major work
packages: development of space standards and road cross-sections, mitigation of road dust through
greening measures within the right-of-way, implementation of Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS)
for improved maintenance practices, and promotion of innovative technologies for road construction.The signing of this MoA marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainable urban transportation
infrastructure and air quality improvement measures in Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region. The project is
expected to serve as a model for scientifically planned road development and environmental management,
contributing to cleaner, greener, and more resilient cities.*****
NKR/AK/AV
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