India Digitizes Highways to Boost Mobility and Efficiency
New Delhi, November 2025:
India has taken another transformative step toward smart infrastructure by digitizing its national highways, aiming to improve mobility, reduce travel time, and enhance transport efficiency across the country.
The initiative—driven by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)—combines digital mapping, real-time traffic monitoring, automated tolling systems, and high-tech maintenance solutions on key expressways and national corridors. The move aligns with India’s vision of modern, tech-enabled infrastructure to support the rapidly growing logistics and transport sector.
Key Highlights of the Digital Highway Initiative
1. Real-Time Traffic Modelling
Advanced sensors, drone-based monitoring, and AI-powered traffic management systems are now being deployed to track road conditions and congestion in real time. This enables quick response to incidents and supports efficient route management.
2. Digital Twin Technology
For the first time, India is creating digital replicas of highways. These digital twins allow engineers to monitor the condition of roads, bridges, and tunnels—predicting where repairs are needed without manual inspection.
3. FASTag to Open-Toll Transition (GNSS-Based Tolling)
A significant upgrade to the existing FASTag system, satellite-based toll collection will charge users according to distance traveled rather than toll plaza-based payment. This will eliminate queues and improve travel time on major corridors.
4. Integrated Command & Control Centres
Highways will be monitored round-the-clock from centralized control rooms. These centers also integrate weather alerts, accident reports, and emergency service coordination.
5. Smart Road Maintenance Using AI and IoT
IoT sensors placed along highways collect data on road surface quality and automatically flag spots where potholes or cracks are likely to develop—improving safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Benefits for Transport, Logistics, and Citizens
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Faster travel and reduced traffic stops | Significant time savings for commuters and freight trucks |
| Lower transportation costs | Boosts logistics and supply chain efficiency |
| Increased road safety | Faster emergency response and predictive maintenance |
| Reduced fuel emissions and pollution | Supports India’s commitment to green mobility |
These improvements are expected to reduce logistics costs from the current ~13% of GDP to below 8%, matching efficiency levels of developed economies.
Government Vision
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has emphasized that digital highways are not just an infrastructure project but a future mobility ecosystem. The initiative complements other national projects such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Gati Shakti National Master Plan, integrating land, rail, air, and road transport on a unified digital platform.
Conclusion
Digitization of national highways marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward smart infrastructure. With technology-driven road systems, India is building not just highways of concrete—but corridors of connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.