IIT Madras, C-DAC to Manage National Bridge Health Monitoring Software

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to centralise the National Bridge Health Monitoring Software by involving the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. The system is linked to the Bridge Health Monitoring System, which uses sensors for real-time monitoring of bridges on the national highway network.

Bridge Health Monitoring System

The Bridge Health Monitoring System is a sensor-based framework used for continuous observation of structural conditions in bridges. It uses data from instruments fitted on bridge components to track movement, stress, vibration, and other measurable parameters.

Standardised Tender Model

The ministry has decided that the supply, installation, and maintenance of sensors will be awarded separately through competitive bidding. A new Model Request for Proposal will be used for upcoming projects, and all Bridge Health Monitoring System components in highway contracts where physical work has not started will be removed and re-tendered.

Digital Inventory and Agency Roles

Road-owning agencies, including state public works departments, the National Highways Authority of India, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, and the Border Roads Organisation, have been directed to complete a nationwide digital inventory survey of bridges by 30 September 2026. Agencies where installation has already begun may continue under existing contracts and must submit details to the ministry’s standards and research wing within 30 days.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Morbi suspension bridge collapse in Gujarat occurred in October 2022.
• The Gambhira Bridge collapse in Gujarat occurred in July 2025.
• The National Highways Authority of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• The Border Roads Organisation works on road and bridge infrastructure in strategic border areas.

Data Centralisation

Centralised analysis of bridge sensor data allows a single framework for processing information from multiple bridges. The arrangement involves IIT Madras and C-DAC in software management and data handling for bridge monitoring systems.