CSIR-CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) successfully organised the Indian Airport Pavement Symposium (IAPS 2026) today at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium in New Delhi, in collaboration with Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited (BTS). The national symposium, themed “Enhancing performance‑based airport pavements for a robust and sustainable aviation future”, brought together regulators, airport operators, armed forces, academicians and global pavement experts, among other key stakeholders. Its aim was to develop a comprehensive technical roadmap for India’s expanding airport infrastructure.
The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaisevi, Secretary of the DSI‑R, Government of India, and Director General of CSIR. She stressed the importance of indigenous research and development, technological innovation and institutional collaboration to strengthen the nation’s critical transport infrastructure.
As chief guest, Mr. Manoj Menon, Executive Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), delivered a special address, highlighting the role of industry‑driven innovation and material technologies in meeting the emerging needs of aviation infrastructure.
Director Dr. C.H. Ravi Shekhar of CSIR‑CRRI highlighted the institute’s long‑standing contributions to pavement engineering, road and airport infrastructure research, asset management and technical standards development. He underscored the need to translate scientific research into practical engineering solutions to enhance the strength, safety and durability of airport pavements.
Senior scientist and symposium secretary Dr. Ashish Valiya presented the welcome address and programme overview. Dr. K. Ravinder, Head of Information, Communication and Training at CSIR‑CRRI, offered the vote of thanks.
Technical sessions covered major challenges related to pavement planning, quality control, robust airfields and transformed bituminous materials. The symposium demonstrated CSIR‑CRRI’s commitment to converting scientific research into innovative engineering solutions for India’s rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSIR‑CRRI and Bharat Tiki Tar Shell India Private Limited, aimed at promoting joint research, technology development and implementation of advanced transformed bituminous materials and specialised airport pavement solutions.