New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced upgraded Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) under the name ‘Rajmarg Saathi’ as part of its efforts to strengthen highway safety and improve incident management services. These vehicles come with advanced features and updated specifications aimed at enhancing emergency response and road maintenance on national highways.
 

The upgraded RPVs now feature closed cabinets in place of the earlier open trunks. This modification allows operators to store emergency equipment in a more organised manner, enabling quicker and more efficient response during emergencies. Dedicated shelves within the cabinets provide easy access to tools, addressing a long-standing challenge faced by operators in the field.
 

The vehicles are also equipped with AI-enabled dashboard cameras capable of video analytics. These cameras are designed to detect cracks, potholes, and other road issues, along with capturing details about vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and infrastructure assets. The data collected will be integrated with the NHAI One application to support efficient road maintenance.
 

Detailed guidelines for the RPVs specify operational requirements, vehicle design, equipment, and manpower standards. Each vehicle will be replaced after covering 300,000 km or three years of operation to ensure optimal service. Efforts have also been made to enhance the branding and visibility of the vehicles as part of the Highway Patrol Services.
 

To project a professional image, patrolling personnel will now wear redesigned uniforms in a brilliant blue colour with jackets featuring reflective stripes and authority logos for easy identification.
 

These patrol vehicles play a vital role in ensuring road safety, managing incidents, and maintaining the smooth flow of traffic on national highways. With this initiative, NHAI aims to provide highway users with a safer and more seamless travel experience across the country.


BI Bureau