The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to deploy an AI-powered dashcam monitoring system across around 40,000 Km of the National Highway network, marking a significant shift towards data-driven highway operations and maintenance.
According to the ministry, the initiative will utilise advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-based Dashcam Analytics Services (DAS) to enhance real-time monitoring and assessment of road conditions.
“Taking a significant step towards transforming Operations & Management of National Highways, NHAI will deploy advanced AI Powered Dashcam Analytics Services (DAS) on around 40,000 km of the National Highway network. This initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance use of high-tech, data-driven Operations & Maintenance (O&M) for the National Highways and Expressways across the country,” the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement on Friday, 20 March.
“The project aims to enhance remote tracking and road condition assessments using high-resolution imagery and video data,” the ministry added.
Under the project, specialised dashboard cameras will be installed on Route Patrol Vehicles (RPVs), which will conduct weekly surveys across highway stretches.
Advanced AI/ML trained models will be deployed for identification of over 30 types of defects and anomalies automatically.
The system will primarily focus on pavement conditions, including identification of potholes, rutting, and severe cracking. It will also cover Road Furniture incorporating real-time identification of damaged or faded lane markings, crash barriers and non-functional streetlights.
According to the ministry, special focus will be on Safety & Encroachments through monitoring for illegal median openings, unauthorized signboards, and illegal parking or encroachments.
To strengthen safety monitoring, at least one weekly survey will also be conducted during nighttime in a month to assess visibility of road signages, pavement markings, road studs, and highway lighting.
The system will also track maintenance-related issues such as water stagnation, drainage gaps, vegetation growth, and condition of bus bays.
The ministry said that for effective monitoring of the reports, five zones have been strategically created across the country to ensure systematic data monitoring.
“A specialized IT platform featuring dedicated modules for data management, AI analytics and interactive visualization dashboards shall be developed dedicatedly for this purpose,” the ministry added.
The solution also allows for side-by-side comparisons of road conditions over time, enabling NHAI to precisely track maintenance progress and repair efficiently.
“The AI generated results shall also be integrated to central NHAI Data Lake platform for seamless monitoring and ensuring timely rectification of defects,” the ministry said.
The initiative marks a significant step towards technology-driven and efficient Operations & Management of National Highways, according to the ministry.
“Leveraging AI powered dashcam monitoring will enable timely maintenance, improve road safety and enhance overall user experience across the National Highway network,” the ministry added.
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