New Delhi: In a significant move to bolster road safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Delhi. This collaboration aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the availability and condition of road signs on National Highways.
As part of this agreement, IIIT Delhi will conduct extensive surveys to collect imagery and other data related to the availability and condition of road signages along selected stretches of National Highways. The project will cover approximately 25,000 kilometers. Using the collected data, IIIT Delhi will deploy AI to accurately identify and classify road signs. The resulting survey report will feature a geo-stamped inventory of existing road signs, detailing their categorization, structural condition, and other relevant information.
In addition to the survey, IIIT Delhi will perform a gap analysis to assess the discrepancies between the current state of road signs and the requirements outlined in the approved road signage plans of the respective Contract Agreements. This analysis will also consider the latest Codal Provisions relevant to high-speed corridors, ensuring the study addresses enhanced safety requirements.
The collaboration aims to harness the potential of AI and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to significantly enhance road safety for all National Highway users. By embracing innovation and adopting advanced technologies, NHAI intends to improve the infrastructure and safety standards of India’s roadways.
The initiative represents a proactive approach to road safety, utilizing cutting-edge technology to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with modern safety standards. The AI-driven project will provide detailed and accurate data, facilitating informed decision-making and targeted interventions to enhance the safety and reliability of road signs across the nation’s highways.
NHAI’s partnership with IIIT Delhi underscores a commitment to leveraging technological advancements to address critical infrastructure challenges. This project is expected to set a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at improving road safety and operational efficiency on National Highways.