The operation and maintenance (O&M) of road assets in India is witnessing a paradigm shift with the adoption of advanced technologies aimed at enhancing road safety while ensuring sustainability. Given the country’s vast and diverse road network, spanning over 6.4 million km, maintaining asset quality and minimising disruptions is critical. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive maintenance, internet of things (IoT)-enabled sensors and monitoring via drones are transforming asset upkeep by enabling real-time monitoring of road condition, faster identification of defects and data-driven decision-making for timely repairs. These innovations are especially crucial for India’s highway expansion projects, ensuring the long-term durability of assets while optimising maintenance costs.
India’s push towards smart infrastructure is further supported by technologies such as self-healing concrete, temperature-sensitive asphalt and geographic information systems (GIS), which are redefining maintenance practices. For instance, smart materials such as asphalt can reduce the need for frequent repairs, while GIS mapping helps authorities plan preventive maintenance more effectively.
Regulatory support
In 2024, in order to ensure accountability and ultimately quality, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways established a mechanism for the maintenance and repair of road assets with the introduction of performance-based maintenance contracts (PBMCs). PBMCs are increasingly being adopted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state governments to improve road infrastructure. Under this, contractors are evaluated based on performance indicators such as road condition, safety and durability. The model offers cost savings, promotes better road quality and encourages innovation. PBMCs are seen as an effective approach to improving road maintenance in India.
Additionally, the recent extension of the defect liability period for EPC contractors in India from five to 10 years could improve infrastructure quality by holding contractors accountable for longer periods. The aim of this extension is to improve road quality by holding contractors accountable for longer, incentivising better construction practices. This new policy is expected to significantly enhance the durability and maintenance of national highways built under the EPC model.
Leveraging technology
The increasing role of AI: The AI-powered solutions currently available are proving to be game changers in road health monitoring across India. By utilising technologies such as machine learning, computer vision and predictive analytics, these AI solutions enable real-time monitoring and early detection of potential road hazards.
Nagpur’s Intelligent Solutions for Road Safety through Technology and Engineering (iRASTE) project is a standout example of AI in road safety. This initiative uses AI to identify potential accident scenarios and alerts drivers through the Advanced Driver Assistance System. Moreover, iRASTE focuses on detecting “grey spots” – areas on the road that could evolve into black spots, prone to fatal accidents if left unchecked. By continuously monitoring dynamic risks, the system facilitates preventive maintenance and enhances road infrastructure.
NHAI has collaborated with IIT Delhi to enhance road safety by improving highway signage. This project leverages AI to survey and analyse road signs across 25,000 km of national highways. The collected data aids in the identification, classification and maintenance of road signs, thereby improving real-time traffic management and overall safety.
Smart road monitoring systems: IIT Mandi’s smart road monitoring system utilises advanced sensors and cameras to detect accidents, monitor traffic and improve road conditions in real time. By gathering data on traffic flow and road hazards, the system helps prevent accidents and improves safety and efficiency on roads. It analyses traffic patterns to enhance management, reduce congestion and provide timely alerts for better decision-making by authorities. The initiative aims to create safer, more efficient road networks by leveraging technology for preventative measures.
Robotics and automation: Robotics and automation technologies have been adopted to address black spots and potholes in India’s road infrastructure, in line with international advancements. In the UK, the Autonomous Road Repair System robot, developed by Robotiz3d in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, utilises AI to identify and repair potholes autonomously. This system analyses road defects and automatically fills them to prevent water ingress, thereby reducing the recurrence of potholes.
Additionally, Indian start-ups are developing technologies to detect and address potholes. Intents Mobi, for example, has created an app that uses a smartphone’s sensors to identify potholes by monitoring changes in vehicle speed and sudden dips or jumps.
While these developments are promising, the widespread implementation of robotics and automation to tackle black spots and potholes in India is still in the early stages. Ongoing research and pilot projects are essential to refine these technologies and adapt them to India’s diverse road conditions.
Pothole rectification using self-healing materials
NHAI is exploring the use of self-healing asphalt to address the persistent issue of potholes. This innovative material incorporates small pieces of steel wool into the bitumen, making it conductive. When heated using an induction machine, the bitumen can rebind with the stones and gravel in the asphalt, effectively repairing cracks and preventing pothole formation. This technology could increase the lifespan of roads and reduce the need for maintenance, thereby minimising traffic disruptions. However, before implementing the technology on a large scale, the government plans to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure its feasibility and effectiveness.
Additionally, to tackle the persistent issue of potholes, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has collaborated with the Central Road Research Institute to test the Ecofix technology. This technology utilises steel slag-based materials to repair potholes, even under waterlogged conditions, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.
Improving asset monitoring during road construction
India has made significant strides in improving asset monitoring during road construction through the adoption of advanced technologies. GIS and remote sensing have enhanced mapping and monitoring, as seen in the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Smart Cities Mission, where real-time data helps track progress and land acquisition. Drones are increasingly used for aerial surveillance, with projects such as the Ganga Expressway and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway leveraging them to monitor alignment and detect issues.
Integrated project management software, such as the one used by NHAI, provides real-time updates on milestones and resource management, streamlining coordination across stakeholders. Radio frequency identification and IoT technologies are being employed in large projects such as the Mumbai Coastal Road Project to track materials, ensuring timely delivery and reducing wastage. Building information modelling is enhancing design accuracy and collaboration, as demonstrated in the Bengaluru Suburban Railway and Hyderabad’s outer ring road projects.
Real-time dashboards in projects such as the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link provide quick access to data for decision-making, while smart sensors used in the Chardham Highway Project help monitor soil and material quality. Mobile-based audit tools are speeding up inspections, as seen in the Rajasthan Public Works Department. Blockchain-based payment systems in projects such as the Pune-Mumbai Expressway ensure transparency and efficiency in milestone-based payments.
Finally, environmental monitoring in projects such as the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway tracks pollution levels, ensuring compliance with environmental standards. These improvements are making road construction in India more efficient, transparent and of higher quality.
In sum
India’s road maintenance is evolving with the use of modern technology, which helps by detecting problems quickly, making repairs more efficient, saving costs in the long run and improving safety.
However, there are challenges in adopting these technologies, such as the high initial costs, the need for skilled workers and adapting the technology to different road conditions. More importantly, it is crucial to train contractors and ensure new materials and methods are thoroughly tested before being used widely.
Despite the challenges being faced, as per industry experts, the digital road map for the future includes greater and better utilisation of drones, GIS mapping, and satellite imagery for project planning, monitoring and implementation; smart highways equipped with smart lighting; variable LED signage; adaptive traffic control systems (at intersections with traffic signals); speed limit enforcers; and promotion of wayside amenities with electric vehicle charging facilities.