New Delhi: Imagine roads that can warn authorities about cracks and potholes before they even appear. India is moving closer to that reality with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in road construction and management, aiming to transform the way its 6.3 million km road network is built, maintained, and monitored.
According to an ET Infra report, engineers are now using Digital Twin technology, which creates a virtual model of roads. This model analyzes traffic flow and structural weaknesses in advance, allowing software to detect potential damage early and even suggest repair methods. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already adopted AI in its project management systems to ensure quality checks during road construction.
In urban areas, AI-driven solutions are already operational. Pune’s Intelligent Traffic Management System and Bengaluru’s Adaptive Traffic Control System regulate signals automatically to ease congestion. Additionally, drones, GPS, and sensors under the AI-MC system are improving project monitoring. In Bihar, AI has been used to assess over 12,000 culverts and 743 bridges, identifying weak structures and recommending timely repairs.
Experts believe AI could reduce road maintenance costs by 30% while extending road life. If expanded to rural areas—where 70% of inspections still rely on manual checks—road conditions could see drastic improvement.
AI’s role is also critical in road safety. With over 1.5 lakh fatalities annually due to accidents, AI-enabled systems could reduce emergency response times by up to 60% and improve traffic efficiency by 30%. Beyond safety, AI can track carbon emissions, aid in electric vehicle corridor planning, and promote sustainable infrastructure design.
