Rajmarg Saathi: NHAI Introduces AI-Driven Route Patrolling Vehicles for Safer Highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced updated specifications for new Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) called ‘Rajmarg Saathi’. These vehicles are designed to monitor National Highways, inspect road conditions, and respond to emergencies. Equipped with a dashboard camera and AI video analytics, they can identify cracks and potholes. Data collected will be integrated into the NHAI One application for efficient road maintenance. These advanced vehicles aim to reduce traffic disruptions, improve road safety, and enhance the overall experience for road users.

Key points of Rajmarg Saathi

The RPVs perform surveillance of National Highway stretches for purposes of observation as well as in emergency circumstances. 

• It has the Provision for a dashboard camera equipped with ‘AI video analytics to record and distinguish cracks & potholes. 

• The data/ video footage shall be collected on a weekly basis by NHAI and shall be amalgamated to NHAI One application for better management of roads.

• With those communication and safety equipment installed in these vehicles, they will be productive in preventing traffic congestion, improving safety, and generally improving the overall driving experience along the National Highways.

About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

• Establishment: NHAI was established in the year of 1988 as an Autonomous Body through Act of Parliament, working under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), it was only established in 1995.

• Primary Objective: Being an infrastructure development agency NHAI has the following functions; The development of National Highways in the country It_nsecitates the duty of maintaining the National Highways It_nsecitates the duty of managing the National Highways The importance of National Highways for the growth of economy and transportation cannot be overemphasized.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The authority supports and encourages the PPP models in building roads and encourages private sector funding and betterment of road network.

• Technological Advancements: There are state-of-the-art technologies practiced at NHAI like artificially intelligent road checker, smart high ways, digital technologies for highways maintenance and management etc.

• Economic Contribution: NHAI always plays an important role in enhancing connectivity and transportation efficiency that benefit for the India’s gross domestic product.

Other government initiatives

• Bharatmala Pariyojana

• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

• National Highways Development Project (NHDP)

• Toll Collection System (FASTag)

• Road Safety and Traffic Management Initiatives

• Setu Bharatam Project

Conclusion

The launch of ‘Rajmarg Saathi’ by NHAI is a significant step towards enhancing road safety and infrastructure management. By utilizing AI-powered RPVs to monitor roads and identify issues like cracks and potholes, NHAI ensures faster detection and maintenance. The integration of collected data into the NHAI One application will improve road management and reduce traffic disruptions. This initiative will not only enhance safety but also offer a smoother driving experience, contributing to better infrastructure and economic growth.