Rajmarg Saathi: Revolutionizing Highway Safety by NHAI

In December 2024, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is introducing upgraded Incident Management Services to improve road safety and enhance highway patrolling in India.

1. The initiative includes updated specifications for new Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) called ‘Rajmarg Saathi,’ covering their design, functionality, technology, components, and manpower requirements.

Key Features of Rajmarg Saathi RPVs

1. Emergency Preparedness and Equipment Storage: The RPVs will inspect highway stretches to address emergencies efficiently.

1. Earlier models had an open rear space for storing equipment, leading to disorganized storage and delays in response.
2. The new RPVs feature a closed cabinet with dedicated shelves, allowing organized storage and easy access to emergency tools and inventory.

2. AI-Powered Technology for Road Monitoring: A dashboard camera with AI video analytics will capture data on cracks, potholes, and other road conditions.

1. The system will also identify vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and other infrastructure elements.
2. Weekly data collection by NHAI will integrate this information into the NHAI One application, streamlining road maintenance activities.

3. Vehicle Usage and Replacement Guidelines: RPVs will be replaced once they complete 3,00,000 km or three years of operation, ensuring they remain service-ready.
4. Enhanced Branding and Visibility: Special emphasis has been given to the external appearance of the RPVs to ensure they are easily recognizable as Highway Patrol vehicles.

1. Equipped with advanced communication and safety tools, these vehicles will help minimize traffic disruptions and improve road safety for highway users.

5. Additional Enhancements

1. Uniform for Personnel: The uniform for patrolling personnel has been updated to include a bright blue color, reflective jackets, and authority logos for clear identification.
2. Incident Management: RPVs will play a critical role in maintaining traffic flow, managing incidents, and ensuring safety on highways.

6. Commitment to Road Safety: NHAI remains dedicated to enhancing road safety standards and delivering a smooth travel experience for all highway users across the country.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Established under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, NHAI became operational in 1995. The authority is responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing the National Highways assigned to it. Objectives: Ensure transparent processes in awarding contracts and procurements. Promote healthy competition in project bids. Maintain high-quality standards in project implementation. Ensure the highway system offers optimal comfort and convenience to users. India’s Road Network: India boasts the 2nd-largest road network globally, spanning about 63.32 lakh km. This network includes national highways, expressways, state highways, district roads, and village roads.

 

 

 

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