CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), in association with Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited (BTS), successfully organized the Indian Airport Pavement Symposium (IAPS 2026) today at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium, New Delhi. Convened under the theme "Advancing Performance-Based Airport Pavements for a Resilient and Sustainable Aviation Future," the national symposium brought together key stakeholders—including regulators, airport operators, armed forces, academic leaders, and global pavement experts—to chart a comprehensive technical roadmap for India’s expanding airside infrastructure.
The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Government of India, and emphasized the importance of indigenous research and development, technological innovation and institutional collaboration in strengthening critical national transportation infrastructure.
As guest of honour Mr. Manoj Menon, Executive Director, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), delivered the special address, highlighting the role of industry-driven innovation and material technologies in meeting the evolving requirements of aviation infrastructure.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the Institute’s longstanding contributions to pavement engineering, road and airport infrastructure research, asset management and the development of technical standards. He underscored the importance of translating scientific research into practical engineering solutions to enhance the durability, safety and sustainability of airport pavements.
The welcome address and contextual remarks were delivered by Dr. Ashish Walia, Sr.Scientist, CSIR-CRRI & Organizing Secretary. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. K. Ravinder, Head, Information, Liaison and Training, CSIR-CRRI.
The technical sessions address key challenges in pavement planning, quality control, sustainable airfields, and modified bituminous materials. The symposium underscores CSIR-CRRI’s commitment to translating scientific research into innovative engineering solutions for India’s rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure.
A key highlight of the symposium was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR-CRRI and Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited to promote collaborative research, technology development and deployment in advanced modified bituminous binders and specialized airport pavement solutions.