In October, 1973, the Highway Research Board (HRB) was set-up under the auspices of the IRC for giving undivided attention to research and development activities. The objectivities of the HRB are:
- to ascertain the nature and extent of research required;
- to correlate research information from various organizations in India and abroad with a view to exchange publications on roads:
- to coordinate and conduct correlation services;
- to sponsor basic research through universities and research organizations;
- to collect and disseminate results of research; and
- any other matter related to road research.
There are three committees under HRB, namely;
Committee for Identification, Monitoring and Research Application (IMRA)
- Committee for Accreditation of New Materials/ Techniques/Technology/Instruments, etc.
- Committee on Pilot Projects to introduce innovations and support innovative ideas in the road sector.