QR codes giving details on manufacturers mandatory in road signage in Delhi

Delhi PWD has directed that all new road signages must carry QR codes detailing the manufacturer, materials and warranty information. (ANI Video Grab)

The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued fresh guidelines making incorporation of QR codes mandatory in road signage, which will provide details of who manufactured the signage and what materials were used, in order to ensure uniformity and improve visibility.

As part of the guidelines, issued on January 1, the PWD has asked its staff to make it a point that the tendering process includes the condition that all future road signage would have to incorporate QR codes.

“The retro-reflective signage should include a QR code mandatorily. The label/QR code should be printed on the bottom right corner of the signage containing details such as the manufacturer’s name, manufacturing date, reflective sheeting code, warranty information, etc,” read the order issued by PWD.

“To ensure uniformity and improved visibility of road signage work on PWD roads, it is essential to establish standardised guidelines for the use of retro-reflective signages…,” it added.

Further, officials said, the department is working on connecting its ‘PWD Sewa’ mobile application platform to such QR codes, which can be scanned by local residents to file complaints related to repair of roads, potholes, streetlights or signages.

“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,” said a senior official.

The department said the company which will win the bid to incorporate the QR codes may be an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), an authorised converter of the OEM or any entity not related to OEM. But, if the bidder is an OEM, it must provide a certification and an authorisation letter in favour of the person responsible for executing the work on site.

“The warranty period for retroreflective sheeting will be 10 years from the date of installation… This warranty should ensure free replacement for any defects during the warranty period of 10 years, converting both digital printer and digital ink as approved by the reflective sheeting manufacturers,” the order read.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in an audit in 2024, had highlighted that existing road signage was not uniform in shape and colour, as multiple agencies are involved in their installation in Delhi.