Will QR Code Sign Boards Transform Commuting on National Highways?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- QR Code sign boards to be installed along National Highways.
- Provide essential project and emergency information.
- Strategically placed for maximum visibility.
- Enhances road safety and user experience.
- NHAI projects significant revenue growth through asset monetization.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) In an initiative aimed at enhancing commuting ease for travelers, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the installation of project information sign boards featuring Quick Response (QR) Codes along various stretches of National Highways.
This strategic move will equip National Highway users with crucial project-specific details and emergency helpline numbers.
As stated by the ministry, the vertical QR Code sign boards will display essential information such as the National Highway number, highway chainage, project length, construction timelines, maintenance periods, and contact details for Highway Patrol, Toll Manager, Project Manager, Resident Engineer, Emergency Helpline 1033, NHAI field office, as well as information about nearby facilities including hospitals, petrol stations, restrooms, police stations, eateries, distances to toll plazas, truck lay-byes, puncture repair shops, and vehicle service stations or e-charging stations.
Additionally, to ensure better visibility, the QR Code sign boards will be strategically located near wayside amenities, rest areas, toll plazas, truck lay-byes, and highway start/end points to better serve National Highway users.
These QR code sign boards are designed not only to improve road safety by providing easier access to emergency and local information but also to significantly enhance the user experience and awareness regarding National Highways throughout the country, as highlighted by the ministry.
In parallel, NHAI anticipates generating between Rs 35,000-40,000 crore in FY26 if the road assets earmarked by the authority are effectively monetized. This projection is based on a median valuation multiple of 0.62 times observed across the 10 awarded toll-operate-transfer (TOT) bundles over the past three years.
“This signifies a robust increase from the Rs. 24,399 crore that was monetized in FY2025. Furthermore, this would surpass the budgeted monetization target of Rs. 30,000 crore for FY2026,” as per a recent report from ratings agency ICRA.
Since FY23, NHAI has taken steps to publish annual lists of assets designated for monetization.