Key Technological Interventions by CSIR‑CRRI The Ministry of Science & Technology informed Parliament that the institute has introduced a suite of eco‑friendly road‑construction and traffic‑management solutions over the last three years. While a comprehensive mobility study for Rajkot is pending, a noise‑pollution project covering the city has been completed. Key Developments (2023‑2026) Steel Slag Road Technology : Utilises steel‑slag waste as a binding material, reducing reliance on natural aggregates. ECOFIX : Ready‑to‑apply pothole filler for quick road maintenance. MSS+ : Modified mix seal surfacing for longer‑lasting pavements. PATCHFILL: Mechanised machine for efficient pothole repairs. Mobile Cold Mixer‑cum‑Paver ( MCMP ). REJUBIT & REJUPAVE: Technologies for rejuvenating and recycling aged bituminous layers. Plastic Waste‑based Geocell Technology: Uses plastic waste to reinforce pavement layers. Frequency‑based noise barrier technology: Mitigates traffic noise in urban corridors. iRASTE : Intelligent transport solution for traffic management and road safety. Implementation & Collaboration Several of these technologies have been transferred to industry for commercialisation. Field‑level deployment is being carried out in partnership with the NHAI , Border Roads Organisation ( BRO ), and various State Public Works Departments. Rajkot Noise‑Pollution Study Although a full mobility study for Rajkot is not yet done, the institute completed a project funded by the GPCB . Launched in September 2022, the study titled “Noise Mapping, Identification of Hotspots Violating Prescribed Norms and Mitigation Plan for Ensuring Compliance with Noise Pollution Rules, 2000” covered Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot, and the final report has been submitted to GPCB. UPSC Relevance Understanding these innovations is vital for GS‑3 (Science & Technology, Infrastructure, Environment) and GS‑4 (Ethics in technology). The shift to waste‑to‑wealth approaches aligns with India’s sustainable development goals, while the collaboration model illustrates inter‑agency coordination, a recurring theme in Polity and Governance questions. Way Forward Scale up pilot projects through increased funding and faster commercialisation pathways. Integrate iRASTE with city traffic control centres for real‑time data‑driven decisions. Conduct comprehensive mobility and traffic studies for Rajkot and other tier‑2 cities to complement noise‑mapping efforts. Promote public‑private partnerships to accelerate adoption of sustainable road materials across national highways. These steps will reinforce India’s commitment to resilient, eco‑friendly infrastructure and safer urban mobility.