Key Points
- Network Survey Vehicles can scan up to 300 km of highway daily, up from 20-80 km previously
- Survey data processed within 10 days compared to 4-6 months under earlier systems
- Mobile app allows site inspectors to view findings and track rectifications in real time
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has deployed Network Survey Vehicles equipped with 3D laser-based scanning systems across all states to monitor and maintain the country’s National Highway network. The vehicles use laser profilers, GPS and high-resolution cameras to detect road defects including potholes, cracks and surface unevenness.
The deployment marks a shift from manual survey methods to technology-driven road monitoring. According to information released by MoRTH, the vehicles can survey up to 300 km of highway in a single day, compared to 20-80 km under earlier manual processes.
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The surveys will cover two-lane to eight-lane highways across diverse terrain, including freight corridors and weather-prone regions, at six-month intervals.
How the survey system works
Raw survey data collected by the vehicles is encrypted and transmitted to a centralised NSV centre within 48 hours. Expert teams deployed across five zones then analyse the data and prepare reports.
The ministry said the entire process from data collection to actionable insights now takes 10 days, compared to 4-6 months under the previous system.
Each report undergoes a quality assurance review before acceptance. Once validated, notices are issued automatically through digital platforms to relevant stakeholders, including road maintenance agencies.
The survey findings are uploaded to the National Highways Authority of India‘s Data Lake portal, where teams can access the information for maintenance planning.
Mobile application for field inspections
MoRTH has developed a mobile application that allows site inspectors to view NSV findings in real time, post geo-stamped comments and photographs during inspections, and track rectification work directly on site.
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The system requires road maintenance agencies to resolve all reported defects before a survey cycle is considered complete.
By the numbers
- 300 km
- Daily highway coverage per survey vehicle
- 10 days
- Time to process survey data into reports
- 6 months
- Interval between highway surveys
The surveys will span National Highways across the country, covering routes that carry significant freight and passenger traffic. The ministry said the system is designed to identify problems before they worsen, with the aim of reducing accidents linked to road surface defects.
The initiative represents a move from reactive maintenance, where defects are repaired after they cause problems, to a data-driven approach where issues are identified and addressed through regular monitoring.
Your Questions, Answered
What are Network Survey Vehicles and how do they work?
Network Survey Vehicles are specialised vehicles equipped with 3D laser profilers, GPS and high-resolution cameras that scan road surfaces to detect defects such as potholes, cracks and unevenness. The data is transmitted to a central processing centre for analysis.
How much highway can Network Survey Vehicles cover in a day?
According to MoRTH, the vehicles can survey up to 300 km of highway per day, compared to 20-80 km under earlier manual survey methods.
How quickly is survey data processed under the new system?
Raw data is transmitted within 48 hours and processed into actionable reports within 10 days. The ministry said the earlier process took 4-6 months.
How often will National Highways be surveyed?
MoRTH has stated that surveys will be conducted at six-month intervals, covering two-lane to eight-lane highways across all states.