NHAI is Transforming Indian Highways through Information Technology Services

1. NHAI is transforming Indian Highways through Information Technology Services India’s digital footprint is expanding at a rapid speed with the heavy rise in the Mobile users, Data usage, and Internet connectivity. This is, in fact, aiding the Government of India (GOI)’s ambitious Digital India program. Taking a cue from GOI’s Digital India program, NHAI has come with the revolutionary practices and processes in the Highway sector to deliver World- class services to the public. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), a statutory body of the Government of India is entrusted with the responsibility of development and maintenance of the National Highway network across India. In order to facilitate the Highway users with Information and services, NHAI is leveraging technology in a way that is beyond words. The Information Technology- based services initiated by NHA are intended to address the needs, requirements, and problems of public. These projects are initiated by Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, a dynamic and dedicated officer, in-charge of Highway Operations Division, NHAI. Following are some of its recent initiatives: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) – FASTag To deal with delays near the National Highway Toll plazas, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) is introduced across the National Highway network of India. It is a joint initiative by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Indian Highways Management Company (IHMCL) and NPCI. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), called as the FASTag collection, can be considered as a landmark step in the history of National Highways. FASTag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker which allows Highways’ users to enjoy seamless travel. This sticker has to be pasted on the windscreens of vehicles to get it scanned by the sensors placed near Toll plazas. Toll charges will be deducted from the FASTag linked account when a vehicle with the sticker will pass through the plaza. GOI has mandated FASTag for all vehicles purchased with effect from 01 December 2017. Besides eliminating delays, this system builds transparency in maintaining Highways by collecting data electronically thus helping in planning further National Highway projects. In a record time of 1 year, around 383 Toll Plazas have had at least one FASTag lane. To add one more feather in its cap, NHAI is conducting a pilot project on GPS tolling across the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, if proved successful; it will pave ways for open Tolling in India. Advance Emergency Traffic Incident Management To meet the medical emergencies on National Highways, NHAI is developing top notch Incident management system which operates with GPS based mechanism. This system will be provided with Ambulances, Cranes, and Patrolling vehicles to reach the accident spot within 15 minutes.

2. Besides this, NHAI is setting Toll Plaza Call Centers with a toll-free number 1033 as the helpline for Highway users. Wayside Amenities To make the journey on Highways happier and safer, NHAI is in the process of establishing elite roadside amenities along the National Highways. It is planning to provide roadside amenities in different ways namely, Highway Nest (Mini), Highway Village, and Highway Nest. With facilities like Water ATMs, beverage vending machines, litter bins, toilets, short stay parking, these kinds of amenities will definitely register a positive image among the Highway users. Hi-Tech Monitoring, Maintaining, Planning & Operation of National Highways NHAI is making use of drones to monitor development projects. Using technology, it has created a system named RAMS (Road Asset Management System) to improve transparency in the usage of resources for better operation and maintenance. With all the aforementioned developments, the journey on National Highways is sure to become much more pleasant in the coming days.