NHAI to Deploy Network Survey Vehicles Across 20,000 km of National Highways

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will deploy Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states , covering a total of 20,933 km of National Highways. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, maintenance, and asset management through advanced data collection and analysis.

Key Points

Advanced Road Monitoring:

• NSVs will inspect highway structural and surface quality , identifying defects such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces . This will allow NHAI to prioritise maintenance efficiently and improve overall road upkeep.

AI-Based Data Analysis:

• Data collected by NSVs will be uploaded to NHAI’s AI-enabled Data Lake platform. Experts will analyse the information to derive actionable insights for maintenance strategies and highway management decisions .

3D Laser Technology:

• Each NSV is equipped with 3D laser systems, 360-degree cameras, DGPS, Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), and Distance Measuring Indicators (DMI) . These technologies enable automatic, precise mapping of 2, 4, 6, and 8-lane highways, conducted biannually as per government guidelines.

GK Facts

• NHAI manages over 1.45 lakh km of National Highways.

• NSVs were first introduced in India in 2021 for data-driven highway management.

• DGPS technology offers accuracy within 10 cm , essential for infrastructure mapping.

• India’s National Highways carry 40% of total road traffic , despite comprising only 2% of the road network.

In summary:
The deployment of NSVs marks a shift towards scientific, data-driven highway management in India, combining AI analytics with real-time survey data to improve road safety, maintenance efficiency, and long-term infrastructure planning .