The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has launched a nationwide initiative to digitally map and assess the condition of bridges and other major structures across India’s national highway network.
It aims to build a comprehensive inventory of bridges while introducing a scientific framework for monitoring their structural health.
By creating a centralised database, authorities will be able to identify maintenance requirements at an early stage, prioritise repairs based on the condition of individual structures, and improve the overall safety of the highway network.
To support the programme, the ministry has developed a mobile application under the Indian Bridge Management System (IBMS).
The platform will enable field engineers to collect bridge inventory details and carry out condition assessments using smartphones and tablets.
Information uploaded through the application will be integrated into a nationwide digital repository covering structures on national highways.
The system will also include a web-based dashboard that can be accessed by agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and state Public Works Departments.
The survey will cover all highway structures exceeding six metres in length, including bridges, flyovers and culverts.
With nearly 1.7 lakh such structures spread across the country, the ministry has fixed September as the deadline for completing the inspection and data collection exercise.
Drone technology may also be deployed to inspect difficult-to-access sections of bridges, allowing authorities to obtain detailed information without disrupting traffic or compromising safety.
The ministry has made participation mandatory for consultants and engineers associated with highway projects.
Consultants who fail to begin the inventory and condition survey within one month of the ministry’s circular could face suspension of their monthly payments for breaching contractual obligations.
