NHAI to sign pact with Isro for satellite mapping of highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) for adoption of best technologies in the road sector. It is also planning to utilise 'GAGAN' and 'BHUVAN' satellite systems to prepare a 360-degree mapping of all national highways by 2017 under its road assets management system (RAMS). This will facilitate timely repair of roads, maintenance, monitoring of road progress, formulation of detailed project reports (DPR), etc.

It is also mulling signing a pact with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) for deployment of drones and aerial vehicles in difficult terrains to map the roads under RAMS.

RAMS is being developed for the entire national highways network bringing both public-funded and private-funded roads under one umbrella. The data collected will be stored and managed through a web-based application which will be hosted in the public domain.

The World Bank-funded project will assist in the accurate and scientific planning and finalising of road projects, maintenance of roads, executing road safety measures and development of the national highways network. Information collected from this project will be useful for the transport ministry, finance ministry, NHAI, and funding agencies.