No more guesswork Delhi starts digital road survey to transform infrastructure
New Delhi: New Delhi has started a digital survey of its roads with the work beginning from Ashoka Road. This marks the first on ground step in the Delhi government’s partnership with CSIR Central Road Research Institute CRRI to improve the city’s road network. As part of the project a specialised Network Survey Vehicle NSV will collect detailed information about roads using cameras sensors and GPS technology. The data will help create a digital database of the entire road network making it easier for authorities to check road conditions identify damaged stretches and plan repairs more efficiently.
Instead of depending on temporary patchwork fixes officials will be able to carry out proper maintenance based on accurate information. The initiative also aims to make Delhi’s roads greener safer and better managed through a more scientific and organised approach. This project is expected to improve road quality while helping authorities take faster and more informed decisions about maintenance and future planning.
Advanced technology to power Delhi’s road mapping drive
The project in Delhi will cover around 15178 kilometres of roads including nearly 3136 kilometres of roads that are more than 12 metres wide. The first step is to prepare a digital record of these roads and carefully check their condition through a detailed pavement survey.
The NSV has been developed to reduce the need for imported technology. It comes with advanced features like high speed laser profiling ultra high definition cameras 360 degree panoramic view accurate GNSS GPS positioning inertial navigation and AI and machine learning based analysis.
Road mapping to support cleaner and better managed streets
This project is based on the Commission for Air Quality Management’s 2025 plan for better road paving and greener urban roads. The plan found that damaged roads unpaved road shoulders and exposed roadside areas are some of the biggest reasons behind road dust pollution.
The information collected during the survey will be combined with existing records such as pavement details construction history maintenance records and GIS data available with different road agencies. All this information will help create a GIS based road asset management system.
Digital system to guide faster road repairs across Delhi
This digital platform will allow authorities to check the condition of roads find areas that need immediate repairs and prepare short term medium term and long term maintenance plans.
The project will also help make road designs more uniform identify areas where improvements are needed and support better planning and management of Delhi’s road network.
(Curated by: Amber Rashid Shah)