The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is set to revolutionize highway construction in India by adopting Automated & Intelligent Machine Aided Construction (AIMC). A draft circular issued on December 16, 2024, outlines the introduction of AIMC technology on selected expressways and access-controlled highways. This follows the successful use of AIMC on the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The pilot phase will focus on specific national highway sections, utilizing advanced machinery such as GPS-aided motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers.
AIMC offers several advantages that will significantly improve highway construction processes. The use of automated machinery ensures greater precision in earthworks, subbase, and base layer compaction, resulting in smoother, more durable road surfaces. Digitized construction data will ensure adherence to design specifications, increasing efficiency and quality while minimizing waste. Key benefits include enhanced efficiency, high precision, increased productivity, improved rideability, real-time project monitoring, and reduced human intervention, which boosts safety and reduces errors at construction sites. As part of India’s vision to expand its national highway network to 191,000 kilometers by 2047, the MoRTH views AIMC technology as a key step toward modernizing the sector. The adoption of AIMC is expected to streamline construction, improve road quality, and optimize timelines, marking a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development. This pilot project will pave the way for future implementation across the country, setting new standards for efficiency and quality in highway construction.
