Technology-Based Initiatives Implemented by the NHAI

1. Technology-Based Initiatives Implemented by the NHAI With numerous advantages of technology unfolding day on day, no country can afford to ignore it. The governments across the world have been relying on different technologies to fight their progress-dragging problems. In fact, technology has pushed the growth rate of many countries across the globe. The recent industrial revolution is powered by the developments in Information Technology. Even the government of India has launched a program named ‘Digital India’ to democratise the fruits of technology. It asked ministries and departments to leverage technology in shaping a better India. The NHAI, which is an autonomous organisation of the government of India, has taken a cue from the Digital India program and has been launching a variety of tech-enabled and tech-based processes/initiatives. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is a statutory body, which was created by the NHAI act 1988. It works under the aegis of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. It has been assigned to the development, management, and maintenance of the assigned portion of the national highway network. It has executed much development works under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP), a project which is consumed into the Bharatmala Pariyojana. To execute such mega and large-scale projects, the NHAI has been leaving no stone unturned in using technology primarily Information Technology (IT). It has even created Highway operations and IT division to facilitate the adoption of technology in the development process. Some of the initiatives implemented by the division are: FASTag FASTags are unique electronically-coded tags, which work on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology. They work effectively when linked to bank accounts. FASTags, which is jointly developed by NHAI and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), are introduced to combat congestion at Toll Plazas. When a FASTagged vehicle passes by a FASTag-enabled Toll Plaza, then the system there would detect the vehicle and deduct the Toll from the linked bank account without any human intervention. This collection system would reduce travel time and helps commuters enjoy a seamless travel. RAMS- Road Asset Management System To leverage the resources alongside national highways, the NHAI has been mapping the resources by using different technologies. To make this happen in the desired way, the NHAI has inked a pact with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Under this pact, the NHAI would be using the satellite data fetched by the ISRO. Sukhad Yatra App This is a commuter-centric mobile application developed by the NHAI along with its technical partners. Using this App, commuters could report any mishaps and also file a complaint against the department. This App also enables commuters to find the nearby Toll Plaza apart from the mobile alerts. One can even buy a FASTag using this App.

2. BIMS portal Bidder Information Management System (BIMS), which is very much required for the bidders as well as for the NHAI. To manage the bidder information for the future references and also help the future bidders, this portal would be helpful for the NHAI. There are a lot more tech-based processes and systems like Advanced Traffic Incident Management System and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology in monitoring the development projects. These tech-based initiatives by NHAI are just a sign of how NHAI is leveraging the technology to perform better. #RoadTransportIndia #ElectronicTollCollectionIndia #SukhadYatra