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

To ensure smoother and safer travel experiences on India’s National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the deployment of Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states. Covering a total stretch of 20,933 kilometres, these vehicles will collect, process, and analyse detailed data on road inventory and pavement conditions to improve road maintenance and asset management.

Advanced Road Condition Monitoring

The NSVs will assess the structural and surface quality of highways by detecting defects such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces. This technology-driven initiative will help NHAI identify maintenance priorities with greater accuracy and speed, ultimately leading to better upkeep of road infrastructure.

Integration with AI-Based Data Lake

Data gathered by the NSVs will be uploaded to NHAI’s Artificial Intelligence-enabled ‘Data Lake’ platform. A specialised team of experts will analyse the collected information to derive actionable insights. This data-driven approach aims to transform raw survey results into practical maintenance strategies and enhance decision-making for highway management.

Cutting-Edge 3D Laser Technology

Each NSV is equipped with 3D laser-based systems capable of capturing and reporting road conditions automatically without human intervention. The technology suite includes high-resolution 360-degree cameras, Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS), Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), and Distance Measuring Indicators (DMI). These features allow precise mapping of road surfaces for 2, 4, 6, and 8-lane projects, conducted every six months as per government guidelines.

Related GK Facts

• NHAI manages over 1.45 lakh kilometres of National Highways across India.
• The concept of Network Survey Vehicles was first introduced in India in 2021 to promote data-driven highway management.
• DGPS technology provides accuracy within 10 cm, crucial for infrastructure mapping.
• India’s National Highways carry about 40% of the country’s total road traffic despite representing only 2% of the total road network.

Future-Ready Infrastructure Management

The systematic deployment of NSVs would mark progress towards scientific and transparent road asset management in India. By integrating AI analytics with real-time survey data, NHAI aims to improve safety standards, optimise maintenance budgets, and ensure efficient long-term infrastructure planning across the National Highway network.