Highways Get Digital Upgrade with QR Code Signboards
NHAI to install QR code boards offering safety contacts and project details across highways.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced on Friday that it will deploy vertical signboards equipped with Quick Response (QR) codes along key stretches of the country's national highways. This initiative aims to provide commuters with easy access to project-specific details and emergency contacts, enhancing road safety and user convenience. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to modernise India's highway infrastructure, which spans over 146,000 kilometres and handles a significant portion of the nation's freight and passenger traffic. NHAI, a state-owned entity under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, stated that the signboards will be rolled out progressively to improve awareness and responsiveness on the roads.
The QR codes, when scanned via smartphones, will display essential information tailored to each highway segment. This includes the National Highway number, chainage (a measurement of distance along the route), project length, construction and operation periods, and contact details for key personnel such as highway patrol, toll managers, and resident engineers. Additionally, the codes will prominently feature the national emergency helpline number 1033, which connects users to immediate assistance for accidents, breakdowns, or other incidents. By integrating digital technology, NHAI seeks to streamline information dissemination, reducing reliance on traditional signage that may be overlooked or outdated.
These signboards will be strategically placed at high-visibility locations to maximise accessibility for drivers and travellers. Positions include near wayside amenities, rest areas, toll plazas, truck lay-bys, highway start and end points, and existing signage structures. This placement ensures that motorists can quickly obtain relevant data without disrupting their journey, particularly in remote or high-traffic areas. The initiative builds on previous NHAI projects, such as the FASTag electronic toll collection system and AI-based traffic monitoring, reflecting a broader push toward tech-enabled infrastructure under the Digital India programme.
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NHAI emphasised that the QR code system will not only bolster road safety by facilitating faster emergency responses but also foster greater public awareness of highway projects nationwide. Officials noted that improved access to local and emergency information could reduce response times in crises, potentially saving lives on India's busy highways, where accidents remain a major concern. As part of the government's vision for sustainable and efficient transport, this step aligns with recent investments exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore in highway development for 2025, aiming to create a more connected and safer network for commuters.
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