The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India is taking a significant step toward revolutionizing highway construction. In a recent draft circular issued on December 16, 2024, the ministry has mandated the use of Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for select sections of expressways and access-controlled highways. This decision follows a successful pilot phase on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, where AIMC technology was implemented for the first time by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
AIMC technology includes advanced machinery like GPS-aided motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers. These automated tools will be used in key stages of highway construction, such as earthworks, subbase and base layers, and compaction. With this shift, MoRTH aims to improve construction quality, streamline efficiency, and reduce the risks of human error. The adoption of AIMC represents a natural progression from manual labor to mechanized construction. Initially, highways were built manually, and over time, mechanization transformed the process. Today, with the availability of intelligent road construction machines, it is the right time for India to embrace AIMC on a larger scale. The benefits of AIMC are numerous. The use of digitized construction data ensures high adherence to design specifications, leading to smoother, well-compacted surfaces. Construction will be more time-bound without compromising quality, resulting in better rideability and longer-lasting roads. Additionally, this technology will enhance transparency with real-time documentation, minimize human intervention, and increase productivity across highway projects.
India’s National Highways network spans around 146,000 km, with 3,000 km of high-speed corridors. The government plans to expand the network by an additional 45,000 km by 2047. The adoption of AIMC in the construction of these highways is part of a broader vision to enhance infrastructure quality and efficiency, paving the way for more sustainable and well-maintained roadways. The move toward AIMC will not only improve the quality of highway construction but also offer substantial benefits in terms of efficiency, productivity, and long-term durability, marking a new era for road building in India.
