New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The maintenance of India’s national highways is set to undergo a technology-driven overhaul, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) adopting artificial intelligence and advanced data tools to improve road monitoring and repair planning.
The authority is moving away from traditional inspection methods that often rely on identifying damage after it appears. Under the new approach, NHAI aims to forecast possible failures in road infrastructure and take preventive measures before defects turn into major maintenance challenges.
The upgraded system will use multiple sources of digital information to track the condition of highways across the country. Network Survey Vehicles equipped with specialised equipment are being deployed to examine pavement health by recording issues such as cracks, surface unevenness and road deformation.
Alongside ground-based surveys, drone technology is being used to prepare detailed digital records of highway assets. These aerial assessments will help officials monitor structures, evaluate roadside conditions and identify unauthorised activities affecting highway corridors.
NHAI is also incorporating Falling Weight Deflectometer tests to measure the internal strength of road surfaces. The technology helps engineers understand the structural condition of pavements and detect weaknesses that may not be visible during regular inspections.
Another major step involves the introduction of AI-based Dashcam Analytics Services on operational highway sections. Cameras installed on vehicles will continuously capture road conditions, while artificial intelligence systems will analyse the footage to identify problems including potholes, damaged crash barriers, lighting failures and drainage-related concerns.
The information collected through these different platforms will be brought together into a central digital framework. This integrated system will allow authorities to maintain a continuously updated record of highway conditions instead of depending on separate inspection reports.
According to officials, the digital platform will support faster decision-making by helping identify high-risk locations and prioritise maintenance activities. Historical data combined with live monitoring will enable engineers to understand deterioration patterns and plan repairs more effectively.
The predictive maintenance model is expected to improve road quality, reduce unexpected disruptions and enhance safety for millions of highway users. It will also help optimise the use of resources by ensuring that maintenance work is carried out at the right time and on the sections that require immediate attention.
As India continues to expand its highway network, NHAI’s technology-based approach represents a shift towards smarter infrastructure management. The use of artificial intelligence, automation and data analysis is expected to play a key role in maintaining safer and more reliable road connectivity across the country.
