Nitin Gadkari Announces AI-Powered Dashcam Analytics to Monitor 40,000 KM of National Highways

NEW DELHI, March 20, 2026 – In a major leap toward high-tech road safety, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced today that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is deploying AI-powered Dashcam Analytics Services (DAS) across nearly 40,000 km of the National Highway network.

This ambitious initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to revolutionize highway operations and maintenance. By shifting from manual inspections to data-driven, automated monitoring, the government aims to ensure real-time oversight of India’s vast network of expressways and highways, significantly reducing the scope for human error in safety audits.

Under the new system, advanced dashboard cameras mounted on Route Patrol Vehicles will conduct rigorous weekly surveys, capturing high-resolution imagery and video data. Sophisticated AI/ML models are trained to automatically detect over 30 types of road defects, including potholes, pavement cracks, and structural damage.

Beyond the road surface, the technology will monitor the condition of “road furniture,” such as lane markings, crash barriers, and streetlights. This proactive approach ensures that maintenance teams are alerted to repairs before they escalate into major safety hazards, streamlining the upkeep of national infrastructure.

Furthermore, the AI-driven system is designed to identify critical safety risks such as illegal encroachments, unauthorized signboards, and hazardous parking along highway shoulders.

The initiative also includes periodic nighttime surveys to specifically assess the visibility of signages and the efficacy of lighting systems, ensuring that night driving remains safe for commuters.

By integrating these high-tech analytics, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is setting a new global benchmark for smart infrastructure management, prioritizing timely maintenance and the overall reduction of road accidents across India.