Revolutionizing Road Maintenance: How AI Can Help Identify Potholes and Cracks
Published Date: 26/05/2024
The Public Works Department (PWD) in New Delhi is set to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to survey roads, detect damage, potholes, and cracks, and ensure timely repair work.
The Public Works Department (PWD) in New Delhi is responsible for maintaining the city's road network. With a focus on improving road infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion, the PWD is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize its road maintenance efforts.
The Public Works Department (PWD) in New Delhi is set to take a significant leap in road maintenance with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). The department plans to start an AI-based survey of roads to identify damage, potholes, and cracks, ensuring timely repair work and reducing traffic congestion.
As the model code of conduct is lifted, the PWD is gearing up to initiate measures for better monitoring of road infrastructure and quick remedial action. A pilot project using AI will be launched in West Delhi roads section for monitoring and maintenance. The department has already hired a consultant to develop a specific project plan for the inclusion of AI in road maintenance work.
The AI-based monitoring system will keep roads under constant surveillance, using vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras to collect data. This data will be presented to senior officials for further action, providing valuable insights into reasons for traffic congestion and potential changes required in road design.
In addition to identifying defects in footpaths, drainage, central verge, and greenery, the AI system will also alert authorities to take timely repair work. The private contractor responsible for the project will be accountable for various aspects of the road, except for main carriageway repair work, which will have a separate comprehensive maintenance plan.
The PWD currently maintains 1,400 km of road network across the city, accounting for over 50% of the total drainage network. As part of the project, road signage will also be repaired and realigned according to rules, ensuring better navigation for the public. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the road surface remains defect-free for five to seven years or more
FAQs:
1. What is the Public Works Department (PWD) planning to do to improve road maintenance?
The PWD is planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to survey roads, identify damage, potholes, and cracks, and ensure timely repair work.
2. What is the pilot project being launched by the PWD?
The PWD is launching a pilot project using AI in West Delhi roads section for monitoring and maintenance.
3. How will the AI-based monitoring system work?
The system will use vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras to collect data, which will be presented to senior officials for further action.
4. What are the benefits of using AI in road maintenance?
AI can help identify defects in footpaths, drainage, central verge, and greenery, provide insights into traffic congestion, and ensure timely repair work.
5. What is the goal of the PWD's road maintenance project?
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the road surface remains defect-free for five to seven years or more.