The India Roads Congress (IRC) is the country’s oldest and most influential technical association for highway engineers. The Government of India established the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) in December 1934, following the recommendations of the Jayakar Committee, with the goal of advancing and fostering the science of road construction and maintenance. It also serves as a national forum for the exchange of information and expertise on a wide variety of topics related to the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.
One of the committee’s recommendations was that road conferences be convened on a regular basis to discuss issues such as road development and maintenance, among other things. In December 1934, the Central Government called an inaugural meeting of highway engineers in New Delhi after conferring with state governments. 73 engineers from all around India were in attendance at this meeting. The Indian Roads Congress was founded on this day.
IRC has now about 13,500 members comprising engineers of all ranks from Central and State Governments, Engineering Services of the Army, Border Roads Organization, Road Research Institutes, Engineering Colleges, Local Bodies, and private enterprises.
The Indian Road Congress classifies Indian Roads into 5 categories
- National Highways
- State Highways
- Major District Roads
- Other District Roads
- Village Roads
OBJECTIVES
- to promote and encourage the science and practice of building, operation and maintenance of roads.
- to advise regarding education, experiment, and research connected with roads.
- to provide a channel for the expression of the collective opinion of its members regarding roads.
- to suggest legislation for the development, improvement and protections of roads.
- to suggest improved methods of administration, planning, design, construction, operation, use, and maintenance of roads.
