NHAI Makes AI-Based Construction Technology Mandatory for Highway Projects Over Rs 500 Crore
Under the new NHAI norms, contractors will be required to deploy AI-MC throughout the entire construction footprint of eligible projects. The technology will be used across major stages of highway construction, including the embankment, subgrade and Granular Sub-Base (GSB) layers.
AI-MC uses on-board computers and sensors installed on construction equipment such as graders, pavers, compactors and dozers. The system enables real-time monitoring and technology-driven quality control, helping improve construction accuracy, consistency and durability.
The technology is also intended to minimise human errors and create digital records covering different stages of construction, from earthwork to pavement laying.
NHAI's move follows the earlier deployment of AI-MC during construction of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, where the technology was not implemented across the entire project or at every construction layer. The latest mandate seeks to ensure wider and continuous deployment across qualifying highway projects.
Under the new system, contractors will also be required to share real-time construction data with NHAI officials. This is expected to strengthen oversight and reduce the scope for deviations from prescribed construction standards during execution.
Industry representatives have, however, stressed that the technology must be implemented comprehensively rather than on a piecemeal basis. They have also pointed to the need for contractors to share real-time data with highway authorities for AI-MC to deliver its intended quality-monitoring benefits.
The mandatory adoption of AI-MC marks a shift towards continuous, sensor-based monitoring of highway construction, with NHAI seeking to improve quality control, strengthen accountability and reduce the risk of construction deficiencies in major highway projects.
Published on:
31 August 2026
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