Delhi Mandates QR Codes on Road Signage for Better Transparency

Delhi has taken a digital step to improve road infrastructure transparency and accountability. To ensure better quality control and citizen participation, the city’s road-owning agency has introduced a new rule for road signages. This initiative combines technology with public infrastructure, helping authorities track maintenance standards while empowering citizens to report issues easily.

Why in the News?

The Public Works Department Delhi has made QR codes mandatory on all new road signages. The decision was issued through fresh guidelines on January 1, 2026, aiming to improve uniformity, visibility, and accountability.

What Do the New Guidelines Say?

• Under the new guidelines, all future road signages installed on PWD roads must carry a QR code printed on the bottom-right corner.
• The QR code will provide key details such as the manufacturer’s name, manufacturing date, material used, reflective sheeting code, and warranty information.
• The PWD has also directed that this requirement must be included in the tendering process, making compliance mandatory for all contractors.

Linkage with PWD Sewa App

• The QR codes will later be connected to the PWD Sewa mobile application, allowing citizens to directly report problems.
• By scanning the code, residents will be able to lodge complaints related to damaged signboards, potholes, road repairs, and streetlights.
• In the first phase, only basic QR codes will be used, while grievance-redressal features will be gradually integrated, strengthening citizen-government interaction.

Standardisation and Quality Control

• One of the main objectives of the move is to ensure uniformity and improved visibility of road signages across Delhi.
• The signboards will use retro-reflective sheeting, which improves visibility at night.
• The guidelines also specify a 10-year warranty on reflective sheeting, ensuring free replacement of defective materials during the warranty period.
• This will help reduce repeated repair costs and improve road safety.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. The QR codes on Delhi’s road signages will primarily help citizens to:

A. Pay road taxes
B. Track traffic violations
C. Access signage details and lodge complaints
D. Get navigation assistance