Revamped Priority Maintenance Module in NHAI Datalake for Pavement Distress Issues

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a revamped Priority Maintenance Module (PMM) within its Datalake System to improve the monitoring and rectification of pavement distress issues detected through Network Survey Vehicles (NSV). This initiative, detailed in Policy Circular No. 18.101/2025 dated March 11, 2025, supersedes the earlier Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on December 13, 2021 (Circular No. NHAI/HO/Priority Maintenance/47892/2021/E-334783).

The previous SOP, dated December 13, 2021, introduced the Priority Maintenance Module (PMM) in the NHAI Datalake to facilitate the identification and tracking of rectification works based on NSV survey data. Under this system:

1. Defects were categorized into four major types—roughness, rut depth, potholes, and cracks.
2. Stretch-wise defect data was manually recorded, with rectification timelines set as per Schedule K (Maintenance Requirement) in contract/concession agreements for BOT and HAM projects.
3. AE/IEs, PDs, and GMs were responsible for entering response data, including planned and completed maintenance dates.
4. Data entry remained largely manual, increasing the risk of delays and inefficiencies.

With advancements in NSV testing methods, increased experience, and evolving infrastructure needs, the previous PMM required a major technological upgrade. The revamped module under SOP 2025 ensures:

1. Automated data collection from NSV surveys, reducing manual intervention.
2. Real-time tracking and alerts for rectification work, enhancing responsiveness.
3. Expanded scope of defect monitoring, now covering five key pavement distresses: roughness, rutting, cracking, ravelling, and potholes.
4. Improved accountability and enforcement mechanisms for contractors and concessionaires.

Further, the revised workflow involves the following key steps:

1. The NSV Agency would upload the test report to the PMM once approved by the NHAI Headquarters.
2. The NSV Cell at NHAI HQ would accept or review the submitted report.
3. The concerned PIU would submit the action taken report after considering the inputs from the Authority Engineer or Independent Authority as well as the concerned contractor or the concessionaire.

The critical roles and responsibilities assigned to various entities are detailed below:

• NSV Testing Agencies: Upon acceptance of the NSV Test Report by NHAI HQ, the agency shall upload the report to the PMM.
• NSV Cell, NHAI HQ:
  1. The submitted report will be received by the NSV cell for issuing notices or giving reviews.
  2. Automated notices based on acceptable limits of pavement distresses shall be generated and would be issued by mail to the concerned PIU/RO of the Technical Division along with the relevant stakeholders.
  3. The NSV Cell shall prepare pavement condition reports for presentation to the Executive Committee (EC) of NHAI.
• Field Units of NHAI – PIU/RO:
  1. The field units of the NHAI would be responsible for enforcing contractual obligations concerning pavement conditions and rectification works through the contractor or the concessionaire as per the provisions of the Concession Agreement.
  2. They would be responsible for the execution of rectification work on a risk and cost basis if contractors/concessionaires fail to comply.
  3. They would collaborate with the Authority Engineer/Independent Engineer for effective implementation of the above-mentioned works and submit the interim or final action taken report to the concerned PIU within 15 days of its receipt through the PMM portal.
• Technical Division, NHAI HQ:
  1. The CGM in charge of the technical division concerned would be the responsible authority for maintaining the national highway under its jurisdiction.
  2. The CGM in charge of the technical division is responsible for ensuring adherence to contractual requirements, extant guidelines of NHAI/Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH)/Indian Road Congress (IRC), and timely submission of action taken reports.

The revamped Priority Maintenance Module (PMM) within the NHAI Datalake System represents a significant leap forward in the digitization of highway maintenance. By enhancing defect detection, streamlining workflows, and ensuring timely rectifications, NHAI is reinforcing its commitment to safer, smoother, and more durable highways. With this technology-driven approach, NHAI is not only addressing existing road maintenance challenges but also setting new benchmarks for efficiency, transparency, and accountability in highway management.