IRF India Chapter

IRF-IC’s Webinar on the subject “Smart Roads, Smarter Insights: AI- Powered Video Analytics Transforming Transportation”
2025-10-16 16:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | New Delhi, India
IRF India Chapter organized a Webinar, titled “Smart Roads, Smarter Insights: AI-Powered Video Analytics Transforming Transportation” on 16th October 2025 from 16:00 – 17:00 Hrs. The Webinar was attended by Road Safety Professionals, Research Scholars, Corporates, Highway Engineers, Road Planners, Academicians, etc.
Prof. P.K. Sikdar, Advisor, IRF-IC, welcomed and introduced the Speaker and attendees.
Mr. Bharani Kumar Depuru, CEO – AiSPRY & 360DigiTMG, highlighted that video analytics can reduce road maintenance lifecycle costs by up to 30% and improve traffic flow efficiency by 50% through real – time detection of infrastructure damage and predictive traffic management – transforming reactive road management into proactive, data –driven decision making. He shared that AI focus on identifying different types of road cracks by recording when a crack was first observed and when it was last monitored, by tracking how many such cracks exists along specific stretches of road. The primary challenge lies in accurate and consistent data collection. Click Here
India has a significant issue with potholes and it was not only important to identify their locations but also to measure the depth and classify them as small or large. In addition, it was critical to assess the types of raw materials that can be reused to fill potholes, repair alligator cracks and address curb damage—ensuring that the methods and materials used are compliant with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards. The AI system allows for estimation of the cost and time required to repair potholes, as well as the level of disruption that might occur when roads are blocked for maintenance. All of this can be analyzed and planned in advance. This helps government bodies to make informed decisions when issuing tenders. When vendors submit their bids, authorities will have a clear understanding of what the bids offers
Furthermore, the data collected through AI can be used to build an efficient traffic management system.
For full webinar recording and presentation of the speaker, visit IRF-IC’s website at https://www.indiairf.com

12th Lecture on the subject “Research & Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Technologies in India - Their Potential in Road Safety and Implementability”
2025-11-14 18:00 - 19:30
As part of the Road Safety Lecture Series, IRF-IC hosted its 12th lecture on “Research & Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Technologies in India – Their Potential in Road Safety and Implementability”.
Mr. K. K. Kapila, President (Emeritus), IRF and Founder President, IRF-IC was the Moderator at the event. Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President, IRF-IC, Dr. P Rajalakshmi, Professor, TIHAN (Hyd), IIT Hyderabad and Dr. A. Mohan Rao, Click Here Chief Scientist & Head (ESD), Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi were the Guest Speakers.

Mr. K. K. Kapila, President (Emeritus), IRF & Founder President, IRF-IC welcomed the guest speakers and set the tone to the Lecture.
Dr. P Rajalakshmi said India’s target for autonomous vehicles (AVs) involves a phased approach, aiming for widespread use of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control by 2030, followed by the introduction of Level 3 and 4 vehicles in specific urban areas and controlled routes by 2040. She said, “As India embarks on a mission to lead in autonomous mobility by 2047, our key goals include boosting market growth and developing AVs suited for India’s complex traffic conditions,”. According to her, the country does not have a specific, explicit law or set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deployment and operation of autonomous vehicles. “The existing legal framework, primarily the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Indian Penal Code, 1960, does not directly address the unique challenges posed by autonomous technology and the issue of liability,” Rajalakshmi added that comprehensive regulatory framework will address the safety, liability, ethics and data privacy concerns specific to autonomous vehicles. Click Here

Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava said as of 2025, many vehicles globally were still at level 1 or level 2 autonomy (i.e., driver-assistance systems) rather than full self-driving. Autonomous fleets (Level 4) were operational only in select cities globally. The global AV market was projected to grow strongly, Mr. Srivastava added. Regulatory and liability issues for autonomous driving vary widely and were still evolving and the uptake of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) (Level 1/2) in India was growing,” he said. Click Here
For full lecture recording and presentation of both the speakers, visit IRF-IC’s website at https://www.indiairf.com

12th Lecture on the subject “Research & Developments in Autonomous Vehicle Technologies in India - Their Potential in Road Safety and Implementability”
by IRF-IC

https://indiairf.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/12th%20Lecture%20Recording.mp3

Launch of National Road Safety Mission for Schools
2025-11-20 16:30 - 19:30
The National Road Safety Mission for Schools was successfully launched on 20th November 2025 at the India International Centre, Kamaladevi Complex, New Delhi, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from policymakers, education leaders, road safety experts and other key stakeholders committed to improving road safety for school-going children across India.
The Mission is a joint initiative of the International Road Federation – India Chapter and Academia Axis Edtech Private Limited, a member of IRF-IC, aimed at promoting responsible and mature road user behavior with a special focus on children, schools, and surrounding communities.
The programme was formally launched by Ms. Anu Jain, Director, Secretary, Ministry of Education, who emphasized the urgent need for structured road safety education and the creation of safer school zones to address the growing concerns of road accidents involving children.
The event included an engaging panel discussion, where invited panellists shared valuable insights, experiences, and best practices related to:

Facilitating the creation of Safe School Zones across India
Implementing structured road safety education for students and their families

The launch event successfully set the foundation for the National Road Safety Mission for Schools and marked an important step towards nurturing responsible road behaviour among young citizens while strengthening India’s commitment to safer roads.

Presentation of Launch of National Road Safety Mission for Schools

Photogallery

Recording

Audio Recording

https://indiairf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NRSMS%20Audio%20Recording.mp3

Lecture Series : 3.0 :1st Lecture on the subject “Sustainable Materials & Circular Economy in Road Construction”
2025-12-16 18:00 - 19:30
As part of the Road Safety Lecture Series supported by Maruti Suzuki, IRF-IC hosted its new Series 3.0 on the theme of “Vision Zero India: Integrating Safety, Sustainability and Technology in Infra” which commenced with a Lecture on the topic of “Sustainable Materials & Circular Economy in Road Construction”. Mr. K. K. Kapila, President (Emeritus), IRF and Founder President, IRF-IC was the Moderator at the event. Dr. Ambika Behl, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi, Dr. Satish Pandey, Sr. Principal Scientist & Head, CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi and Mr. Dhruv Rathi, Director, Shri Rathi Steel Group were the Guest Speakers.
Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President, IRF – IC, delivered the welcome address and provided a brief overview of the objectives and initiatives of the International Road Federation – India Chapter’s Lecture Series.
Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute was the Guest of Honour at the event. He mentioned that to address waste management challenges involving plastic, steel slag, red mud, construction and demolition debris, municipal solid waste, CRRI how developed innovative materials and technologies for road construction, including steel slag technology that used processed steel industry waste as a substitute for natural aggregates. India’s first National Highway steel slag road section was constructed on NH-66 (Mumbai–Goa National Highway), resulting in a stronger, more eco-friendly pavement that was 30% shallower than conventional roads,”.
Dr. Satish Pandey stated that innovative products included plastic-modified bitumen and geocells developed from end-of-life plastic in collaboration with entities such as BPCL. He noted that “Bio-bitumen” was produced through the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, offering durable and cost-effective alternative to conventional bitumen suitable for varied climatic conditions. He also highlighted Ecofix, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix, as an instant solution for distressed roads during monsoon. This had been used by the Delhi government and being explored by few other States.
Dr. Ambika Behl said that road construction was one of the biggest environmental polluters in the country, contributing to 37% of emissions. She pointed out that Roads and Highways being built with an expected lifespan of 25–30 years, including the Delhi–Mumbai Highway, were getting damaged within two years. She emphasized the need for sustainable road infrastructure.
Mr. K. K. Kapila mentioned that despite major advances in the road infratech sector, the country still stood at the crossroads of safety, sustainability and innovation. We must reaffirm our commitment to building safe, efficient and sustainable roads, with the Road to Vision Zero aiming for both Carbon Zero and Fatality Zero.
Mr. Dhruv Rathi discussed about GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), highlighted its sustainability and performance advantages.

Presentations by :
Dr. Ambika BehlDr. Satish Pandey (CRRI)Mr. Dhruv Rathi

Photogallery

Recording

Audio Recording

https://indiairf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Webinar3-0-1.mp3
