Are Survey Vehicles Mapping Road Defects Across 20,000 km of National Highways?
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Synopsis
In a significant move to enhance road safety, the NHAI is deploying advanced survey vehicles across 20,933 km of National Highways. This initiative promises to identify and rectify road defects, improving conditions for millions of commuters. Discover how this technology-driven approach will shape the future of road maintenance in India.
Key Takeaways
- Deployment of NSVs will enhance road maintenance efficiency.
- Technology will enable automatic detection of road defects.
- Data collected will inform corrective measures to improve road conditions.
- FASTag annual pass offers economic travel solutions for highway users.
- Over 20,000 km of highways targeted for comprehensive assessment.
New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to utilize Network Survey Vehicles across 23 states to assess 20,933 kilometres of National Highways. This initiative aims to compile comprehensive road inventory and pavement condition data to facilitate timely maintenance, according to a government announcement made on Wednesday.
The introduction of NSVs will allow the NHAI to gather essential data on road inventory and pavement status, capturing various road imperfections including surface cracking, potholes, and patches, as stated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
The information obtained from these surveys will reveal inadequacies in road quality, prompting the NHAI to undertake necessary actions to improve the maintenance of National Highways, thereby enhancing the travel experience for commuters.
The advanced 3D laser-based NSV system can automatically detect and document road defects without human intervention, utilizing high-resolution 360-degree cameras, differential GPS, inertial measurement units, and distance-measuring tools.
The onboard data acquisition and processing software will generate reports on inventory and pavement conditions for projects with two, four, six, and eight lanes.
To support this effort, the NHAI has called for bids from experienced companies, as per the statement.
The survey results will be uploaded to the NHAI's AI-driven Data Lake for analysis by a specialized team, transforming the data into actionable insights for road upkeep and asset management. The ministry mentioned that outcomes will be stored in the Road Asset Management System in specified formats for future reference.
The NHAI's 'Rajmargyatra' app also allows users to gift a FASTag annual pass. The government highlighted this initiative earlier this week, encouraging citizens to consider it as a “perfect gift for travelers” during the Diwali and festive season.
The FASTag annual pass offers a smooth and cost-effective travel solution for users of the National Highways and is valid at approximately 1,150 toll plazas across India. The annual pass costs Rs 3,000 and is valid for one year or for up to 200 toll plaza crossings.
Point of View
This initiative by the NHAI signifies a proactive approach towards road maintenance that prioritizes commuter safety and experience. By incorporating advanced technology, the NHAI demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement in our road infrastructure, which is crucial for economic growth and public welfare.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Network Survey Vehicles?
Network Survey Vehicles are advanced vehicles equipped with technology to automatically survey and report on road conditions, including defects like potholes and surface cracking.
How many kilometers of National Highways will be surveyed?
A total of 20,933 kilometers of National Highways across 23 states will be surveyed.
What technology is used in these vehicles?
These vehicles utilize high-resolution 360-degree cameras, differential GPS, and advanced laser systems for road defect detection.
How will the survey data be used?
The data will be analyzed to identify road maintenance needs and will be stored in the Road Asset Management System for ongoing management.
What is the FASTag annual pass?
The FASTag annual pass offers seamless travel across toll plazas and is valid for one year or up to 200 crossings at a cost of ₹3,000.
