The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), organised a one-day workshop on “Road Asset Management Systems & Predictive Analysis” on 24 August 2026 at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium. The workshop brought together researchers, practitioners and industry experts to deliberate on modern Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS) and the application of predictive analytics for pavement performance, maintenance prioritisation and life-cycle cost optimisation.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Rajesh Verma, IAS, Chairperson, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, as the Chief Guest. The session commenced with the welcome of the Chief Guest and dignitaries, followed by the National Song and National Anthem and ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, delivered the Welcome Address, while Dr. Sampath Kumar Pasupunuri, Scientist ‘E’ and Workshop Coordinator, CSIR-CRRI, provided an overview of the workshop.

Prof. Manoranjan Parida, Professor, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee, National Coordinator, SPARC, also addressed the gathering. The inaugural address was delivered by Chief Guest Shri Rajesh Verma, IAS, Chairperson, CAQM. The session concluded with the felicitation of the Chief Guest and dignitaries and a vote of thanks by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Scientist ‘G’ and Head, Pavement Evaluation Division, CSIR-CRRI.

The workshop highlighted that road networks constitute critical public assets and their systematic management is essential for ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective mobility. The deliberations focused on strengthening scientific and data-driven approaches to road asset management, particularly for improving pavement maintenance decisions and optimising whole-life costs.

The technical programme featured keynote lectures by Prof. Manoranjan Parida and Dr. N. C. Pal, followed by sessions covering road asset management in practice, case studies and implementation challenges; industry perspectives and technologies for road asset management; data acquisition and whole-life costing for road networks, with contributions from Sh. Anukul Saxena, Dr. Bhavesh Jain, Sh.Rohit Mane, Mrs. Prerna Kalra, Dr. Anand Sreeram, Sh. Neeraj Chadha, and Prof. Indrajit Ghosh.

A key highlight of the workshop was the demonstration of the Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Tool for Indian Roads, presented by Prof. Kranthi Kumar Kuna and Sh. Soumyarup Biswas. The demonstration provided an opportunity for participants to understand the application of life-cycle cost considerations in road infrastructure decision-making.

The programme concluded with a panel discussion on “From Pilot to Practice: What Will It Take to Make RAMS a Routine Part of Road Agency Decision-Making?”, bringing together experts from academia, government and industry to discuss pathways for wider adoption and institutionalisation of Road Asset Management Systems; featuring Sh. L. P. Padhy, Prof. S. S. Mohapatra, Prof. Amit Goel, Prof. Nikhil Sabu, Sh. Sunil Jain, and Prof. A. K. Singh.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders and underscored the importance of integrating asset management, predictive analytics, data acquisition and whole-life costing into road infrastructure planning and management. The event concluded with a closing ceremony at CSIR-CRRI.

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NKR/AK

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