The National Highways Authority of India is transitioning from conventional highway maintenance practices to a predictive asset management framework, leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced road surveys, drones, and data analytics to improve the long-term performance and safety of the national highway network.
The new approach marks a significant shift from reactive maintenance towards a system that can identify deterioration at an early stage and enable timely intervention before defects develop into major failures. The initiative is designed to enhance highway quality, extend asset life, and optimize maintenance expenditure across the country’s expanding road network.
As part of the programme, NHAI has deployed Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) to collect detailed pavement-condition data, including roughness, rutting, cracking, and structural distress. The authority is also using Drone Analytics Monitoring Systems (DAMS) to create digital inventories of highway assets, monitor structures, and detect encroachments. Additionally, Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing is being carried out to assess pavement strength and identify weak sections before visible damage appears.
To further strengthen monitoring capabilities, NHAI has initiated the rollout of AI-powered Dashcam Analytics Services (DAS) across operational highway stretches. The system can automatically detect issues such as potholes, pavement defects, damaged crash barriers, faulty lighting, drainage problems, and other maintenance-related shortcomings.
A key element of the initiative is the creation of a unified digital ecosystem that integrates data generated through survey vehicles, drones, dashcams, and pavement testing. This centralized platform will provide a continuously updated view of asset conditions across the national highway network, enabling data-driven decision-making and reducing reliance on fragmented inspections.
By combining historical maintenance records with real-time monitoring data, NHAI aims to identify deterioration trends, prioritise vulnerable stretches, and undertake preventive maintenance before road conditions worsen. The authority believes this risk-based approach will improve highway durability, reduce lifecycle costs, and enhance commuter safety.
The transition is supported by standardized maintenance protocols, improved contract management frameworks, and greater use of technology-enabled performance monitoring. Through the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and predictive analytics, NHAI is seeking to establish a more efficient and proactive highway maintenance system capable of supporting India’s rapidly growing transportation infrastructure.
