NHAI Deploys AI Survey Vehicles To Upgrade Highway Quality

The NSVs will gather critical data on road conditions, including surface cracks, potholes, and other defects. The information collected through these surveys will help NHAI identify deficiencies and take corrective measures to ensure smoother, safer, and more durable roads across the national network.

All data captured will be uploaded to NHAI’s AI-based Data Lake portal, where a dedicated team of experts will analyse it to generate actionable insights. As per Government of India guidelines, the data collected at regular intervals will be stored in the Road Asset Management System in a prescribed format for future technical use and planning.

The pavement surveys will be conducted using 3D laser-based NSV systems equipped with advanced technologies such as high-resolution 360-degree cameras, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and Distance Measuring Indicator (DMI). These systems can automatically detect and record road defects without human intervention and feature robust data acquisition and processing software to ensure accuracy.

Data collection will cover all projects involving 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-lane highways, with surveys conducted before the start of work and subsequently every six months. To operationalise this initiative, NHAI has invited bids from qualified companies to supply and deploy NSVs.

The Network Survey Vehicle system is a specialised infrastructure management tool fitted with advanced sensors and data acquisition systems. By systematically collecting detailed information on road inventory and conditions, it enables NHAI to make informed decisions on pavement maintenance, asset management, and infrastructure planning—enhancing both the safety and efficiency of India’s National Highway network.