NHAI Adopts Predictive Asset Management Framework for National Highway Maintenance

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), vide Press Release dated June 16, 2026, has announced a significant shift in the operations and maintenance (O&M) framework governing the National Highways network through the adoption of a predictive asset management framework. The initiative is intended to facilitate early identification of asset deterioration and enable timely interventions, thereby ensuring that National Highway infrastructure is maintained to higher operational standards throughout its lifecycle.

Traditional maintenance models typically rely on periodic inspections and corrective interventions after visible deterioration has occurred. In contrast, predictive asset management seeks to identify emerging defects at an early stage, enabling timely interventions before such issues develop into major structural or operational concerns. By transitioning towards a data-driven maintenance framework, NHAI aims to improve asset longevity, optimise maintenance expenditure and enhance the overall travel experience for highway users.

The transition is anchored on three strategic pillars designed to strengthen the manner in which highway assets are monitored, assessed and maintained across the country.

The first pillar focuses on large-scale asset condition monitoring through the deployment of advanced surveying and inspection technologies. NHAI has deployed:

• Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) – to capture critical pavement condition parameters relating to roughness, rutting, cracking and structural distress.
• Drone Analytics Monitoring Systems (DAMS) – to create digital inventories of highway assets, monitor structures and identify encroachments.
• Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing – to assess pavement strength and detect structural weaknesses before visible failures emerge.
• AI-powered Dashcam Analytics Services (DAS) – to facilitate automated detection of maintenance deficiencies, including potholes, damaged crash barriers, malfunctioning lighting infrastructure and drainage-related issues.

The second pillar of the framework focuses on the creation of a centralised asset intelligence ecosystem. Data generated through NSVs, drones, dashcams and FWD surveys will be integrated into a unified platform.

The third pillar involves predictive monitoring and risk-based decision-making. By analysing historical condition data, inspection records and real-time asset monitoring information, NHAI aims to identify deterioration, prioritise vulnerable stretches and undertake preventive intervention.

The framework is further supported by standardised maintenance manuals, strengthened maintenance contracts and performance management mechanisms.