In a significant move aimed at boosting transparency and accountability in civic infrastructure, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has made it compulsory for all new road signage to carry QR codes. This initiative will allow citizens to instantly access crucial details about the signboards, including the manufacturer, materials used, and warranty information.
New Guidelines for Enhanced Road Signage
The fresh guidelines, issued on January 1, 2026, mandate that the tendering process for new signage must include the condition for incorporating these QR codes. According to the official order, the retro-reflective signage must feature a QR code printed on the bottom right corner. This code will contain a label with specific details such as the manufacturer's name, the date of manufacture, the reflective sheeting code, and comprehensive warranty information.
The PWD stated that this step is essential to ensure uniformity and improve the visibility of road signage across its network of roads. The directive comes after a 2024 audit by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways highlighted inconsistencies in the shape and colour of existing signage, a problem exacerbated by multiple agencies being involved in their installation in the national capital.
Connecting to Grievance Redressal
Officials revealed that the department is actively working on integrating these QR codes with its 'PWD Sewa' mobile application. In the future, residents will be able to scan the code on a signboard not just to see its manufacturing details but also to lodge complaints directly through the app. These complaints could pertain to issues like road repairs, potholes, malfunctioning streetlights, or damaged signage itself.
A senior PWD official explained that the rollout will be phased. "In the first phase, only normal QR codes will be incorporated into road signage. Gradually, other platforms, which would help people to raise grievances, will be added," the official said.
Warranty and Implementation Details
The PWD order specifies a robust 10-year warranty period for the retroreflective sheeting used in the signs, effective from the date of installation. This warranty guarantees free replacement for any defects during the decade, covering both the digital printer and the digital ink as approved by the reflective sheeting manufacturers.
Regarding who can execute this work, the department has kept the options broad. The contract to incorporate QR codes can be awarded to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), an authorised converter of the OEM, or even an entity unrelated to the OEM. However, if the bidder is an OEM, they must provide a certification and an authorisation letter for the person responsible for the on-site work.
This initiative marks a forward-looking step by the Delhi PWD to leverage simple technology for greater public oversight, potentially setting a benchmark for other cities in India to follow.
