NHAI Deploys 3D Sensors Across 23 States to Detect Potholes and Road Cracks

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a major initiative to enhance road safety and maintenance across the country. In a first-of-its-kind project, the agency plans to deploy advanced vehicles equipped with 3D laser sensors, GPS technology, and other data acquisition systems across 23 states, covering more than 20,000 kilometers of national highways.

This move aims to accurately identify road defects, including potholes and cracks, ensuring a smoother and safer driving experience for commuters. According to NHAI, the collected data will be uploaded to its AI-powered “Data Lake” portal, where experts will analyze the information to generate actionable insights. These insights will guide highway maintenance, infrastructure planning, asset management, and accident prevention strategies.

The data collection will encompass projects ranging from two- to eight-lane highways, starting before any development work and continuing at six-month intervals. By continuously monitoring road conditions, the NHAI hopes to maintain high standards of highway quality and safety, while optimizing maintenance schedules to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

In addition to detecting road defects, NHAI has been systematically identifying “black spots” based on accident reports received from state governments. These spots, marked by frequent accidents causing fatalities or grievous injuries, are being prioritized for long-term rectification. As of March 2025, of the 13,795 black spots identified across national highways, corrective work has been completed on 5,036 locations.

The AI-driven data management approach will also integrate the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR) system, providing a centralized repository for accident data. By combining real-time road condition monitoring with historical accident data, NHAI is creating a safer, smarter highway network for all road users.

This initiative reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its highway infrastructure using technology, ensuring safer travel, better asset management, and improved commuter experience across the nation.