NHAI to adopt mechanized drain cleaning, automated pothole repair and road sweeping technologies

📌 Summary:

• NHAI has introduced technology-driven, mechanized and automated maintenance practices across National Highways and Expressways
• Mechanized drain cleaning mandated in urban/built-up NH sections ahead of the monsoon using High-Flow Super Suction and Jetting Units, Hydraulic Grab Machines and Dewatering Pump Sets; to become a mandatory provision in future maintenance contracts
• Deployment of Automatic Pothole Filling, Compacting and Patching Machines and Mechanized Road Sweeping Machines under Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC)
• Goals: faster pavement repair, reduced response time, better stormwater management, improved ride quality and longer pavement life
• NHAI to closely monitor contractor compliance with inspection schedules and time-bound rectification of deficiencies

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — infrastructure, maintenance of public assets, use of technology for governance and sustainability

🔑 Key Term: Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) — a contract model where payment is linked to keeping the highway at defined service/quality levels rather than to quantities of work executed.