The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to upgrade its highway patrol services with the introduction of advanced Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) named ‘Rajmarg Saathi’. These vehicles are designed to strengthen incident management services, minimise traffic disruptions, and improve road maintenance across National Highways.
The newly introduced ‘Rajmarg Saathi’ vehicles feature significant upgrades, including a closed cabinet design to efficiently organise emergency equipment. Previously, the open rear space of RPVs posed challenges in keeping equipment well-arranged, leading to potential delays in emergency responses. The revamped design addresses this by providing dedicated shelves for quick and easy access to essential tools during critical situations.
An additional enhancement includes the installation of dashboard cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) video analytics. These cameras will monitor road conditions, identify cracks, potholes, and other infrastructure issues, and capture data on vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. This footage will be collected weekly and integrated with the NHAI One application, ensuring timely and effective road maintenance.
The guidelines for the upgraded RPVs specify detailed standards for vehicle use, equipment, and manpower. Each vehicle will be replaced after three years or 300,000 kilometres of operation to ensure optimal service fitness. Emphasis has also been placed on the branding and external appearance of these patrol vehicles to maximise visibility and improve highway safety awareness.
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In addition to advanced equipment, the uniforms for Route Patrolling Personnel have been redesigned to include a striking blue colour with reflective jackets and official logos, enabling easy identification by road users.
NHAI highlighted the critical role of Route Patrolling Operations in maintaining safety, managing incidents, and ensuring smooth traffic flow on National Highways. The upgraded RPVs are expected to significantly enhance emergency response capabilities and provide a seamless travel experience for commuters.
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