India is taking a major step toward smarter and safer highways with the deployment of advanced Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Equipped with cutting-edge 3D laser technology, GPS systems, high-resolution cameras and advanced imaging sensors, these vehicles are designed to monitor road conditions with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
The AI-powered vehicles can detect potholes, cracks, patches and surface unevenness while creating detailed digital maps of National Highways. Unlike traditional survey methods that could cover only 20–80 kilometers per day, the new NSVs can survey up to 300 kilometers daily, significantly improving efficiency and enabling faster maintenance decisions.
Survey data is securely transmitted to a centralized monitoring center within 48 hours, where experts analyze the findings and generate actionable reports within 10 days. Previously, this process could take four to six months. The collected data is integrated with the National Highways Authority of India’s AI-based Data Lake platform, allowing authorities to make evidence-based maintenance decisions in real time.
To enhance accountability, MoRTH has also introduced a mobile application that enables field inspectors to track defects, upload geo-tagged images and monitor repair progress. The initiative is expected to improve road safety, reduce accidents caused by road defects and ensure smoother travel experiences for millions of commuters across India.
