The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a series of technology-driven measures to strengthen maintenance practices across national highways and expressways, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, enhancing road quality and delivering a better travel experience for commuters across the country.
As part of the initiative, NHAI has issued guidelines for mechanised drain cleaning in urban and built-up areas and the deployment of advanced maintenance equipment such as automatic pothole filling, compacting and patching machines, as well as mechanised road sweeping machines. The move is aimed at promoting preventive maintenance practices and ensuring stricter compliance with maintenance obligations.
Mechanised drain cleaning ahead of monsoon
With the monsoon season approaching, NHAI has made mechanised cleaning of lined drains mandatory on urban stretches of national highways and expressways. The framework involves the integrated use of high-flow super suction and jetting units, hydraulic grab machines and dewatering pump sets for removing accumulated silt, slurry and heavy debris from drainage channels.
The authority has also directed contractors and concessionaires to follow prescribed maintenance schedules and inspection programmes for drainage systems. Compliance with timelines for rectifying drainage-related deficiencies will be closely monitored to ensure prompt action and prevent deterioration of highway infrastructure.
Advanced technology for road maintenance
In a separate initiative, NHAI has issued guidelines for deploying automatic pothole filling, compacting and patching machines, along with mechanised road sweeping machines, under Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC). The framework provides a mechanism for assessing and approving costs associated with the deployment of these technologies in ongoing maintenance contracts.
The use of automated pothole repair machines is expected to accelerate pavement repairs, reduce response time and minimise inconvenience for road users. Timely repair of potholes and pavement defects is also expected to improve ride quality and help preserve the structural integrity of highways.
The NHAI said that mechanised road sweeping machines will be used for systematic cleaning of highway corridors and paved shoulders through the removal of dust, silt and loose particulate matter. The initiative is expected to improve visibility, enhance road safety and reduce dust-related pollution.
The authority added that the sweeping machines have already been deployed on the Varanasi–Aurangabad and Handia–Rajatalab highway stretches, as well as on several projects in Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat.
