IRF President Talks Data and Digitalisation at 88th ITC - High-level Policy Segment
IRF President Dimitrios Mandalozis is at the 88th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Transport Committee in Geneva to address the High-level Policy Segment on driving innovation in inland transport.
In his intervention, he emphasised that “infrastructure, data and digitalisation must be treated as one,” noting that roads are evolving from static assets into performance-based systems that must operate reliably under climate pressure and rising mobility demand. He highlighted the role of digital tools in extending asset life, improving safety and strengthening resilience.
Drawing on IRF’s global evidence base, including the IRF World Road Statistics, President Dimitrios underscored the importance of harmonised data for benchmarking and informed policymaking. He also outlined IRF’s commitment to practical implementation roadmaps that support countries in planning, designing and managing roads to meet social, environmental and economic objectives.
Read full transcript of his intervention:
Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished delegates,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to UNECE for convening the 88th session of the Inland Transport Committee and for providing a multistakeholder platform to articulate priorities and share innovations.
The International Road Federation, active since 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, works to support countries in delivering road systems that are inclusive, safe, green and efficient.
In today’s context, infrastructure, data and digitalisation must be treated as one. Roads are no longer static assets. They are performance-based systems that must operate reliably under growing climate risks, rising mobility demand and increasing expectations for transparency and efficiency. Digital tools and data are essential to extending asset life, improving safety outcomes, reducing lifecycle emissions and ensuring resilience.
IRF has contributed to the global evidence base through our World Road Statistics, published annually since 1964. Drawing on national data and aligned with internationally harmonised definitions, WRS now covers more than 200 countries and territories and over 200 indicators across 11 thematic areas. It supports benchmarking, policy evaluation and planning at national and international levels. The IRF WRS Data Warehouse further enhances accessibility through interactive dashboards and analytical tools, enabling decision-makers to translate data into informed action.
Besides data, to support the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport, IRF and a coalition of partners have committed to helping countries strengthen how roads are planned, designed, financed and managed to address the social, environmental and economic challenges of the decade ahead. At the core of this commitment is a series of implementation roadmaps that translate the Decade’s objectives into practical guidance for the road sector. These roadmaps will emphasise data-driven decision-making, digital asset management systems, innovation in materials and design, among other key issues.
In parallel, IRF is also active in many international initiatives that advance connected and automated mobility, ensuring that digitalisation and innovation improve road safety and more efficient traffic operations. We work with infrastructure operators, technology providers and research institutions to bridge the gap between research and deployment. These initiatives reinforce the principle that digital transformation must be integrated into infrastructure governance, standards and operational frameworks from the outset.
I would like to conclude by warmly inviting Member States and stakeholders to join us at the IRF Annual Conference 2026 in Geneva, taking place from 16 to 18 November. The Conference is designed as a platform for countries, international organisations and industry leaders to exchange practical experience on how roads can better fulfil sustainability objectives. In a period of rapid technological and climate change, international cooperation is essential. We would be honoured to welcome your participation and to continue this important dialogue together.
Thank you.
On the Road with ecopals: Innovation After the IRF 2025 Start-Up Label Win
Interview with Fabian Zitzmann, Managing Partner from ecopals.
Last 4 December, during the IRF 2025 Annual Conference, ecopals was named the winner for IRF Start-Up Label 2025. We caught up with them to talk about their work and how IRF is supporting their efforts to better the mobility and transport sectors.
To begin, could you briefly introduce ecopals?
ecopals develops technologies that reduce the dependence of road construction on fossil raw materials. Asphalt traditionally consists of aggregates and bitumen, a petroleum-based binder whose performance is enhanced through newly produced polymers. Both components are cost-intensive and associated with a significant carbon footprint. This is precisely where ecopals comes in. We process recycled plastics into a high-performance asphalt additive called EcoFlakes. In asphalt mixtures, EcoFlakes replace virgin polymers and simultaneously substitute a share of the bitumen, without compromising quality or durability. The result is longer-lasting roads, lower CO₂ emissions and reduced total lifecycle costs of infrastructure.
Our asphalt technologies were developed in close collaboration with leading German research institutions, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology and the University of Kassel. Today, EcoFlakes are used in more than 40 projects across seven countries, ranging from heavily trafficked motorways and logistics hubs to bus stops and municipal roads.
What problem is ecopals addressing?
Road construction is often perceived as a conservative industry, yet it is of critical importance. It shapes the carbon footprint of entire economies, consumes vast quantities of raw materials and is increasingly affected by rising costs. To date, the industry relies on newly produced polymers to enhance pavement performance. This approach is neither environmentally nor geopolitically sustainable. With EcoFlakes, we demonstrate that identical performance can be achieved using recycled plastics. In doing so, we address two challenges at once. We reduce the consumption of fossil resources while giving recycled plastics a new and valuable purpose. At the same time, we extend the service life of roads and lower maintenance and rehabilitation efforts. This makes road construction not only more climate-friendly, but also more economically efficient.
Where do you see ecopals in the coming years? What are you working on at the moment?
Our focus is on international scaling, building on Germany as our domestic market. Sustainability targets and rising cost pressure are not unique to Germany but shape road construction markets worldwide. Across regions, public authorities and private asset owners seek solutions that use materials more efficiently while improving the performance, resilience and service life of infrastructure. In the coming years, we aim to establish EcoFlakes as a globally recognised standard solution for polymer-modified asphalt based on recycled materials.
To achieve this at scale, we have deliberately built capabilities that go beyond a single product or application. While road construction remains our focus, we see significant untapped potential for environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials across a wider range of industries. To systematically unlock this potential, we rely on our in-house software to assess material formulations before physical production and testing. Our cloud-based virtual laboratory predicts rheological, structural-mechanical and physico-chemical properties, enabling data-driven decisions at an earlier stage and significantly shortening development cycles. This capability extends beyond road construction, as core material performance characteristics are decisive in many industrial applications.
What has been the most important lesson learnt from implementing your technology across different countries and project types?
One of the most important lessons has been that performance-based innovation travels better than purely regulatory-driven solutions. While standards, specifications and approval pathways differ significantly from country to country, the core challenges are remarkably similar: rising costs, limited resources and the need for durable infrastructure. Projects in different regions have shown us that once decision-makers see reliable performance data and real-world references, openness to recycled-material solutions increases rapidly. This has reinforced our focus on close collaboration with local partners as the foundation for successful international deployment.
What does IRF offer in terms of supporting and strengthening ecopals’ work?
The IRF represents a network that is unique within the road and infrastructure sector. Decision-making in this industry is strongly relationship-driven. Therefore, progress is often enabled through personal exchange rather than purely formal processes. The IRF brings together precisely those stakeholders, public authorities, operators and industry leaders, who shape infrastructure development globally, in a way that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
For ecopals, this network is highly valuable. Beyond the visibility created by sharing member news within and beyond the Federation, we are particularly looking forward to active exchange, informed feedback and learning from experienced practitioners. At the same time, the reputation of the IRF and the perspectives of its members provide important third-party validation, which supports trust-building and accelerates adoption when entering new markets.
Photo from ecopals
Prepare for Impact! The Thinking Behind the IRF’s Masterclasses and Panels
Originally published by Intertraffic through intertraffic.com.
The International Road Federation (IRF) is set to highlight innovative and sustainable road practices at the Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 Summit Programme with a must-attend series of masterclasses and panel sessions.
Across the four days and multiple stages, IRF, a member-based organisation active in over 130 countries will deliver a fast-paced programme of masterclasses and member-led panels designed to ‘translate global trends and challenges into operational guidance and real-world impacts'.
Across the four days and multiple stages, IRF, a member-based organisation active in over 130 countries will deliver a fast-paced programme of masterclasses and member-led panels designed to ‘translate global trends and challenges into operational guidance and real-world impacts'.
"IRF will deliver a fast-paced programme of masterclasses and member-led panels designed to translate global trends and challenges into operational guidance and real-world impacts"
Intertraffic’s editorial team caught up with the IRF’s Senior Advisor Brendan Halleman and Head of Membership & Partnerships Olivia Denzler to discuss the thinking behind the format and content of their thought-provoking sessions and masterclasses.
“Intertraffic has always been a big feature in IRF’s calendar, but perhaps even more so this time around than it has before,” says Olivia. “The IRF team has collectively attended many editions of Intertraffic, but we always look forward to the next one. We’ve got two booths this year, one in Hall 3 and one in Hall 11, and we're hosting several sessions in the Summit programme and within the Road Safety stage that we're particularly looking forward to.”
“We've really upped the game here in terms of the partnership with Intertraffic,” Brendan adds. “Historically the IRF and Intertraffic have always been ‘a thing’ since the show’s early days. With this year's line-up, we’re reconnecting with that glorious past. We’re running masterclasses that are short, focused mini training seminars as well as panels with our members for a deep dive into contemporary topics.”
Great Expectations
As an example of what to expect, one such session will focus on the notion of a greener, safer future that brings together climate and safety specialists to discuss shared challenges.
"We've really upped the game here in terms of the partnership with Intertraffic. We’re running masterclasses that are short, focused mini training seminars as well as panels with our members for a deep dive into contemporary topics"
“We are also participating in a number of other sessions, some of which are organized by Intertraffic,” he adds. “We’re doing one in partnership with FIDIC [International Federation of Consulting Engineers], the organization our former Director General Susanna Zammataro is now heading up. This is a multi-level, multi-tiered, engagement with this year's show.
“The panels will be something you're a bit more familiar with in terms of the format,” Brendan continues, “where we bring three or four speakers, with a good background of private and institutional research. We're getting speakers from the City of Amsterdam and Rijkswaterstaat, so we are fully leveraging our host country. The master classes are a slightly different creature in the sense that they are 45 minutes long and instructor-led. What we're trying to do is provide key insights from a learning perspective.”
A Truly Global Perspective
So, from an organisational perspective, what are the IRF aiming to get out of this year’s event? In the ‘olden days’ (which probably ended in the early twenty-teens), a successful event such as an Intertraffic could be measured by the height of the pile of business cards that you and your colleagues had collected – now, Intertraffic asks Brendan Halleman, would it be more a case of feeling as though you have strengthened your position as thought leaders?
“At Intertraffic, IRF aims to connect organisations and stakeholders to shape the future of road and transport infrastructure systems for people and the planet,” he responds. “For IRF, impact means using its tools and resources to engage members, mobilise the global road transport ecosystem, influence policy, and strengthen capacities for inclusive, safe, green and efficient road systems.”
"At Intertraffic, IRF aims to connect organisations and stakeholders to shape the future of road and transport infrastructure systems for people and the planet"
Asked about how the organisation will measure this, Olivia notes: “It's scale, but also the people that it manages to bring together. That's also what the IRF does with our huge network and our membership, and the global nature of that membership. Intertraffic is a great place for us to bring all those people together and to have those conversations from a global perspective.”
“In this day and age, with Zoom- and Team-based events, Intertraffic is one of our touch points,” adds Brendan. “Even within our membership, many of our members, arguably most of our membership, will be present in one form or another. There's no better opportunity for us to connect and reconnect with them, present our programmes, discuss our shared agenda and learn about their innovations. It’s an educational event for us as well.”
Transformational Times
Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 coincides with something of a transformational period for the IRF. The organisation is in the throes of rolling out IRF’s Vision 2030 strategy, which serves as a roadmap and a call to action for the global road community. It challenges the sector to see road systems not simply as physical assets, but a platform for equity, resilience and shared progress.
“we’re hoping to inform and inspire and help people make sense of no just individual technologies, but how they operate within a broader transport system and their broader impacts"
“At the end of the day,” Brendan concludes, “we’re hoping to inform and inspire and help people make sense of no just individual technologies, but how they operate within a broader transport system and their broader impacts, including in some cases the trade-offs between different impacts. In doing so we will help them better understand the positioning of the IRF as a platform at the service of the sector. It gives us the opportunity to be that kind of conduit, as well as bringing those conversations about successes and challenges together. It’s great to be able to talk about it, because there’s something that everyone can take from those conversations.”
IRF Director General Participates in GRIS 2026
New Delhi, India | 5–6 February - International Road Federation (IRF) Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz participated in the Global Road Infratech Summit and Expo (GRIS 2026), organised by the IRF India Chapter under the theme “Vision Zero India: Integrating Safety, Sustainability and Technology in Infra.”
GRIS 2026 convened policymakers, industry leaders and technical experts to examine how infrastructure systems can simultaneously advance road safety, environmental sustainability and technological innovation. It focused on practical approaches to achieving Vision Zero objectives while supporting India’s transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient transport infrastructure.
During the event, DG Alcaraz chaired a technical session titled “Sustainable Infratech for Transformative Change in India: Vision Zero for Safety and Carbon-Free Developments,” where discussions centred on integrating safety standards, sustainable design and emerging technologies into infrastructure planning and delivery. He also joined a panel on “Policy to Practice: Enabling Vision Zero through Sustainable Infrastructure and Smart Mobility,” addressing the role of governance frameworks and industry collaboration in translating policy commitments into operational results.
The summit programme covered a wide range of priorities aligned with IRF’s mission, including smart infrastructure governance, innovations in road and pavement engineering, resilient construction practices, asset management and sustainable materials.
The rest of the Summit themes included:
- Policy and Governance for Smart Infra
- Innovations in Road Infrastructure
- Bridges and Tunnels in Future
- Technology Upgrade for Road Infra
- Sustainability and Resilience in Infrastructure
- Smart Infrastructure for Safety
- Sustainable Construction Practices
- Contracting System Innovations for Quality-Sustainable Infra
- Innovations for Durable Pavement
- Recycling of Materials for Infrastructure
- Various Bitumen Formulations
- Smart Asset Management for Economy in O&M
Parallel to the conference, an exhibition showcased advances from road sector companies, academic institutions and research organisations developing next-generation infrastructure solutions.
GRIS 2026 served as a platform for international knowledge exchange and professional networking, reinforcing cooperation between public and private stakeholders working to improve the safety, efficiency and sustainability of road infrastructure. DG Alcaraz’s participation supported ongoing efforts to promote global best practices and strengthen partnerships that contribute to safer and more resilient transport systems.
“GRIS 2026 concluded on a powerful note, bringing together policymakers, global experts, industry leaders, academicians and practitioners on one platform to collectively reimagine the future of road infrastructure and mobility in India. GRIS 2026 was not just a summit—it was a collective commitment towards safer roads, sustainable infrastructure and people-centric mobility. A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, panellists, delegates, partners, sponsors, exhibitors and the organising team for making GRIS 2026 a resounding success. The conversations started here will continue to shape action on the ground.” - IRF India Chapter
Photo credit: IRF India Chapter
IRF Concludes Second Registry Auditor Certification Programme in Bandra, Mumbai
Bandra, Mumbai | 27 October to 7 November 2025 — The Closing Ceremony of the second batch of accredited auditors under the International Road Federation’s (IRF) International Registry for Road Safety Auditors concluded last 7 November.
The training session, made possible with the support of TotalEnergies Foundation, was held at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) premises in Bandra, Mumbai. It marked an important milestone in India’s road safety capacity-building efforts.
There is a great need for accredited auditors in low-and-middle-income countries like India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), more than 172,000 people lost their lives on Indian roads, averaging 474 deaths each day or nearly one every three minutes in 2023 alone.
The IRF International Registry for Road Safety Auditors looks to address issues like this, closing a critical gap in global road safety efforts by certifying auditors based on clear training and experience criteria, strengthening local capacity by training and accrediting young professionals and women engineers. This will give governments, project owners and financiers confidence that audit teams are composed of properly qualified professionals.
Through the training programme, engineers and professionals were given the opportunity to engage in highway development, road construction, traffic engineering and urban transport planning. It presented a chapter built on hard work, professional discipline and the shared commitment to saving lives on the world’s roads.
The session was facilitated by IRF Lead Trainer Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos and was attended by Managing Director of MSRDC Dr. Anil Gaikwad who personally awarded the certificates, congratulating the cohort on their dedication to advancing road safety and contributing to safer mobility systems across the country.
“With humility, it gives me great pride to announce that I have qualified as a Road Safety Auditor, receiving the Certificate of Competence in Road Safety Audits – Observer. It was a deeply meaningful moment to receive this certification in the presence of my mentor and Road Safety Specialist from the International Road Federation,” - Sharad Srivastava, participant and newly accredited auditor.
Participants were encouraged to embrace the philosophy of Vision Zero, the global movement toward eliminating fatalities and serious injuries by building roads, highways and transport systems that prioritise human safety above all.
Participants reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening road safety systems, expanding technical capacity, and contributing to the collective global vision of a world where no life is lost on the road.
The next round of training sessions for the IRF International Registry for Road Safety Auditors will resume in 2026 at India, Uganda and Tanzania.
For more details on IRF Professional Trainings, visit the link below:
Driving Innovation: IRF and CHTS Strengthen Collaboration in Smart Mobility Research
As part of the 2025 International Smart Transport Symposium (ISTS) co-hosted by the China Highway & Transportation Society (CHTS) and the IRF, the delegation visited Shenzhen to explore pioneering examples of smart and sustainable mobility in action.
The visit forms part of the lead-up to the 2025 International Smart Transportation Symposium, which will focus on forward-looking and critical technologies in smart cities and smart transportation and their integrated domain. The Symposium will feature thematic presentations, high-level discussions, exhibitions, achievement releases, international competitions and academic paper submissions. It will gather government representatives, international organisation leaders, industry innovators, institutions and renowned experts to exchange insights on industry hotspots, cutting-edge topics and emerging innovations shaping the future of mobility.
In Shenzhen, the delegation visited Shenzhen Bus Group and WeRide to experience the city’s cutting-edge autonomous bus service. Shenzhen’s B888 Route, a Level 4 autonomous bus line, connects the Luohu Port border crossing to the MixC Mall. Equipped with over 20 advanced sensors, including lidar and high-definition cameras for 360-degree perception, these buses operate safely under the supervision of onboard safety personnel. The IRF delegation also learned about another pilot in the Qianhai District, where 20 self-driving minibuses operate across four routes, demonstrating how automation is enhancing daily urban mobility.
Continuing their study tour, the IRF delegation met with officials from the Tongzhou District Government in Beijing to gain insights into the district’s forward-thinking sustainable transport strategy. As Beijing’s urban sub-center, Tongzhou is redefining connected and low-carbon urban living through comprehensive planning and smart infrastructure.
Tongzhou’s ambitious “three-fast, two-main” road system and “eleven-horizontal, nine-vertical” backbone network have strengthened connectivity between the sub-center and central Beijing. The East Sixth Ring underground reconstruction project, China’s longest shield highway tunnel, has further improved mobility and reconnected previously divided urban areas.
Through its Smart Traffic 3.0 Expansion Project, Tongzhou has modernised more than 580 intersections with intelligent signal controls, real-time data integration and over 17,000 sensing devices. These advancements have increased arterial road speeds by 11% and reduced average vehicle delays by 32%, illustrating the tangible benefits of digital transformation in urban mobility management.
At the same time, the district continues to promote active and inclusive mobility by upgrading walking and cycling networks to enhance accessibility, comfort and safety for all road users.
The delegation also visited the Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen, where the team was given an in-depth tour of their Smart City and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) innovations. At the forefront was the creativity and commitment Huawei showed in advancing practical, scalable solutions that make cities and transport systems more efficient, resilient and safe.
From AI-driven traffic management to integrated digital platforms, their work demonstrates how technology can transform urban mobility and improve the quality of life.
The CHTS played a vital role in facilitating these meaningful exchanges with local authorities, enabling IRF representatives to gain first-hand insights into China’s innovations in transport technology and policy.
Representing IRF were Mr. Dimitrios Mandalozis, President of the International Road Federation, and Ms. Alice Yiu, Head of Advocacy and Outreach, who engaged with key counterparts including Mr. Han Song, Deputy District Head of Tongzhou District; Mr. Jia Fei, Director of the Transportation Comprehensive Affairs Center of Tongzhou District and Ms. Guan Nina, Director of the International Cooperation Department of CHTS.
IRF extends its gratitude to Shenzhen Bus Group and WeRide for their impressive demonstrations and insights into the real-world deployment of autonomous transport. Pilot projects such as these are essential for informing and inspiring the scaling of smart, sustainable mobility solutions in cities worldwide.
Hi-Drive Webinar Explores the Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation
15 October | Online - IRF and the Hi-Drive European Project recently hosted a webinar titled “Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation & Operations: Testing Performance and Reliability of ADFs for Extending and Fragmenting ODDs.”
The webinar gathered experts and innovators from across Europe to explore how advanced technologies are paving the way for safer, smarter and more connected mobility and showed how testing methods directly shape the vehicles, road systems and safety technologies we use every day.
Hi-Drive is at the forefront of efforts to extend and harmonise Operational Design Domains (ODDs), the real-world conditions under which automated vehicles can operate safely. By focusing on critical technology enablers such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, high-precision positioning, cybersecurity and machine learning, the project tackles some of the toughest challenges to achieving trustworthy, scalable automation.
These innovations aim to make automated driving more reliable and responsive to the diverse realities of Europe’s road networks, both urban and rural, national and cross-border.
Turning Research into Real-World Results
During the webinar, Christina Anagnostopoulou from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) and Luisa Andreone, Stellantis-CRF, shared how Hi-Drive has been testing Automated Driving Functions (ADFs) in diverse environments. The topics covered a scenarios ranging from controlled test tracks to public roads with real traffic and weather conditions. Having conducted over 120 experiments across Europe, the project’s partners are generating valuable insight into how automation can perform safely and consistently in complex scenarios, such as low visibility, cross-border travel, and mixed traffic.
The initiative also relies on advanced data engineering tools to ensure transparent, high-quality analysis across all trials, an essential step in building public confidence in automated transport. As Luisa Andreone, Stellantis-CRF, explained, the project “is pushing towards robust and reliable automated driving, extending and defragmenting ODDs whilst ensuring interoperability across countries and brands.”
A Step Forward for Safer, Smarter Mobility
By connecting research with policy and practice, Hi-Drive exemplifies how technological innovation can contribute to safer and more sustainable transport systems. The integration of automation, connectivity, and data-driven learning has the potential to reduce crashes, optimise traffic flow and support greener, more efficient mobility across regions.
“Hi-Drive’s operations are designed to test automated driving functions under a variety of real-world conditions, such as those exhibited in closed-track simulations and public-road trials, to ensure their safety and reliability.” - Christina Anagnostopoulou
The project’s outcomes will be showcased at the Hi-Drive Final Event: “Bridging the Gaps in the ODD,” which will be held on 25th November 2025 at the AutoWorld Museum in Brussels.
Together with partners like Hi-Drive, the IRF continues to advocate for innovation, making roads not only more advanced but also safer, cleaner, and more accessible for all.
Building Resilient Roads for a Safer and Connected Future
31 October | International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our resilience against natural and human-induced disasters. Resilience in this context goes beyond constructing strong infrastructure; it calls for smart operations, sustainable financing, and climate readiness across all levels of the transport system.
Resilient road systems stand on four pillars:
- Structural resilience- ensures roads are designed and built using durable standards and materials
- Operational resilience - keeps traffic moving during crises through redundancy, contingency routes, and intelligent systems
- Economic and financial resilience - secures the resources needed to sustain maintenance and services during difficult times
- Climate resilience - equips networks to withstand and recover from the increasing impacts of extreme weather.
IDDRR highlights that proactive planning, sustainable infrastructure and global cooperation are key to minimising disaster impacts and safeguarding lives.
Disaster-struck infrastructure
Natural calamities expose weaknesses in how we design, maintain, and plan road infrastructure and road networks. It only takes one disaster to break open a host of issues that endanger motorists, vulnerable road users and emergency responders.
Extreme weather events can cripple transport networks within hours. Floods wash away bridges, landslides block highways and debris flows isolate towns and villages. In emergencies, road accessibility often determines who can be rescued, treated and supplied. It can literally mean the difference between life and death.
These challenges expose the urgent need for infrastructure that protects lives, sustains economies, and keeps communities connected before, during, and after disasters.
Recognising projects that prioritise resilience
For the IRF, disaster risk reduction is inseparable from its mission to advance safer, more resilient roads worldwide. Roads are not only vital for daily mobility and economic activity. During crises, they become lifelines for evacuation, emergency response, and relief distribution.
IRF continues to advocate for road systems that can withstand changing climate conditions and extreme events. By integrating risk assessments, sustainable materials and innovative design standards, transport networks can significantly reduce their vulnerability to disasters.
This commitment to resilience is reflected in IRF’s Circle of Excellence, which recognise outstanding projects and innovations that embody sustainability, safety, and climate readiness in the road and mobility sectors.
Through these awards, IRF celebrates the engineers, policymakers, and organisations whose visionary work strengthens the resilience of transport systems.
IRF Circle of Excellence for Resilience
The Digital-technology-based Daloushan Mountains Extra-long Tunnels Emergency Management Technology Package Project by Guizhou Expressway Group Co., Ltd., Jiaoke Transport Consultants Ltd., and Guizhou Zhongnan Transportation Technology Co., Ltd., uses five innovative technologies applied to the tunnels for safe, green, efficient and intelligent tunnel operation and management.
It gives warnings to management and control technology, monitoring 97.4% of traffic incidents and gives an earlyrning-based response time in less than 30 seconds. It also integrates ventilation and energy conservation technology, saving 2 million kWh of power every year. Finally, it gives fire-control partition water supply technology, improving water supply safety and resilience by 50%.
The MAWIS (Mobile Advanced Road Weather Information Sensor) Project by Egis offers transformative advancements in enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency, particularly in preventive inter-maintenance. The sensors allow for the anticipation and response to sudden weather changes.
This targeted approach improves safety and reduces environmental impact by minimising chemical usage, contributing to more sustainable maintenance practices. With MAWIS, 1,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide were reduced, with total carbon emissions going down by 5%
The Climate Informed Digital Road Asset Management System (iROADS) for Kerala PWD by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) offers an integrated platform for climate-smart planning, efficient budgeting and informed road decisions.
Kerala is a high-performing state in Southern India with a human development index among the nation’s highest and a population about 35 million. It boasts an impressive 332,000 kilometres of road network. The platform addresses Kerala’s rising climate threats. Climate-smart planning looks to reduce the over 4,700 landslides the region experiences in one season.
Boosting climate resilience preparedness saved about USD 2.63 million on core road network maintenance.
Excellence in resilience
These award-winning initiatives exemplify how innovation, foresight, and collaboration can transform road infrastructure into systems that endure disasters and actively prevents them from becoming humanitarian crises. From intelligent tunnel management and adaptive weather sensors to climate-informed asset planning, these projects show that resilience is achievable when technology, policy, and purpose align.
As the world observes the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the IRF Circle of Excellence stands as a testament to what’s possible when resilience becomes a shared priority. Each recognised project reflects IRF’s unwavering mission to advance safe, sustainable, and climate-ready road systems that keep communities connected before, during, and after disasters.
Stay tuned for more stories and insights from the IRF Circle of Excellence, celebrating global leadership and innovation in building resilient transport systems.
IRF launches International Registry for Road Safety Auditors Training Programme in India
New Delhi, India | 10 October - IRF has launched the International Registry for Road Safety Auditors, a 10-day certified training programme for engineering professionals.
The training programme, made possible by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the IRF India Chapter (IRF-IC) and with the support of TotalEnergies Foundation, is designed for engineers and professionals engaged in highway development, road construction, traffic engineering and urban transport planning.
It combines theoretical knowledge, case-based learning and on-ground fieldwork to strengthen participants’ capacity to identify and mitigate road safety risks throughout all stages of road project development - key competencies in conducting effective road safety audits.
The course is being facilitated by the IRF Lead Trainer, Miguel-Angel Serrano Santos, integrating the Safe Systems Approach and Vision Zero strategies in road audit practices.
Building on successful implementations in Tanzania, the United Kingdom, Uganda and Australia, the Registry’s expansion to India underscores IRF’s continued commitment to establishing globally harmonised standards in road safety audits.
Key features of the training include modules on:
- Legal and institutional frameworks
- Safe System and Vision Zero strategies
- Crash data analytics and blackspot identification
- Economic evaluations
- Road design audits and VRU (Vulnerable Road User) safety
- iRAP tools
- Road work zone safety
In his message, Kiren Kapila, President Emeritus of IRF, acknowledged the contribution of TotalEnergies Foundation to promoting this global training programme for auditors, encouraging participants to maximise their learning for real-world application.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief General Manager of NHAI Vivek Jaiswal, lauded IRF’s efforts in advancing road safety capacity-building and reaffirmed NHAI’s support for the initiative.
Upon successful completion of the training, participants will become accredited Road Safety Auditors under the IRF International Registry, a global community of qualified professionals dedicated to improving road safety standards worldwide. These accredited auditors gain access to new opportunities to contribute to safer road projects worldwide, while supporting the global effort to reduce road fatalities and injuries.
IRF India expresses concern at increased number of fatal road Accidents in the country
The year 2019 has seen an increased number of road accident deaths in the state of Gujarat, in India, which recorded Thirteenth highest number of road deaths in the country.
As per latest National Road Accident data released by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for the year 2019, road accidents killed over 151,000 people in 2019 crashes. The number of crashes left 451,000 injured in the country.
"India accounts for about 12% of the global road accident fatalities. Several initiatives for improving road safety such as the amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA), improvement in roads from the engineering perspective, road safety audits at all stages of road construction beginning from from the planning stage besides identification and remedy of black spots in a sustained systematic manner on war footing can help bring down fatal road accidents in the country", said Mr. K K Kapila, President Emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF).
"India is signatory to the United Nation's Decade of Action Plan for road safety across the world which aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by the year 2020. But the target seems nowhere near", said Mr. Kapila.
He added: "Strict enforcement of the new Motor Vehicle Act wearing of helmets and seat belts , improvement in road engineering, clearing of black spots can help in reduction of fatal road accidents in the state".
