Guess what? NHAI to use spatial technology for highway projects

To manage national highways and road assets, the government will use space technology and unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor and manage national highways and road assets.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed memoranda of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organization's National Remote Sensing Centre and the North East Centre for Technology Application and Research for use of spatial technology.

Satellite data and geospatial technology will be useful in providing inputs in highway and infrastructure projects for preparation of detailed project reports (DPR), prefeasibility status in new alignment, upgrade and road widening, monitoring of road segments under construction and the Road Asset Management System.

The unmanned aerial vehicle technology will be useful in monitoring, construction progress, Road Asset Management, feasibility report and DPR preparation, immediate assessment and remedy of problematic spots.

NHAI will take up some pilot projects with both the organisations to identify and finalise actual use and benefits of satellite data, geospatial technology and UAV technology in highway and infrastructure sector. A technical cell will also be set up, which will run 24x7 to provide relevant project specific data using this technology to project consultants and engineers.

Image credit: Indiatimes