The Road Transport Ministry will take the help of ISRO and North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR) to monitor the progress of National Highways across the country through advanced technology. The NHAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NECTAR for use of spatial technology for monitoring and managing National Highways.
According to a Press release, NHAI will take up some pilot projects with both the organisations to identify and finalise actual use and benefits of both satellite data and spatial technology and UAV technology in highway and infrastructure sector,” the release said.
It said that a 24x7 technical cell would also be set up to provide relevant project specific data using the technology to project report Consultants, Engineers, staff and users. The use of satellite data and geospatial technology will be useful in providing inputs in highway and infrastructure projects for preparation of DPR (detailed project report), prefeasibility status in new alignment, widening of road, monitoring of road segments under construction and Road Asset Management System, it added.
NECTAR, Department of Science and Technology uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for acquiring aerial images for infrastructure planning. “To accomplish this mandate, it is required to use advanced and multiple technologies to expedite project preparation, monitor construction progress, operation and maintenance and optimal management of its assets,” it said.
According to sources, the Road Ministry is also mulling deploying a small aircraft to monitor implementation of highway projects specially in tough terrains.