New Delhi: The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi govt did a successful live trial of the steel slag-based instant pothole repair technology, called ECOFIX, on the Delhi Secretariat Road on Saturday.
The demonstration was carried out in the presence of PWD minister Parvesh Verma.
According to officials, ECOFIX is a ready-to-use pothole repair mix, developed by CSIR – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) in collaboration with a startup. “During the live demonstration by teams from CSIR-CRRI and the start-up, both waterlogged and dry potholes were successfully repaired without any dewatering,” the department said in a statement. “The most notable advantage of this technology is that the repaired surface can be opened to traffic within 15 to 20 minutes, minimising disruption,” it added.
According to CSIR-CRRI’s senior principal scientist, Satish Pandey, who invented the ECOFIX technology, the mix was prepared using metallurgical waste from the steel industry – specifically steel slag. “The use of processed industrial waste not only makes the solution cost-effective and durable, but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on natural aggregates,” he said.
The minister in his statement said that providing Delhi with “better, safer and pothole-free roads” was BJP govt’s “top priority”. “The successful trial of the ECOFIX technology will greatly help us in carrying out timely and durable repairs ahead of the monsoon. This isn’t just about fixing potholes — it’s about reinforcing public trust,” Verma said.
“For the next two-and-a-half years, any maintenance required for the repaired patches will be handled by the implementing agency itself. This green initiative is also a step toward realising PM Narendra Modi’s vision for ‘Waste to Wealth’, by effectively utilising steel slag — an industrial byproduct — in urban infrastructure,” he added. Officials said the technology was now being evaluated for wider implementation.
Officials said that Verma has issued directions to focus on repairing and maintaining roads and flyovers.
