Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) is set to embark on a comprehensive road assessment project using three-dimensional laser mapping to evaluate the condition of its 1,440km arterial road network. This initiative aims to create a digital inventory of arterial roads and footpaths managed by the PWD, aiding in the identification of damaged or defective sections. The project is anticipated to take 90 days to complete at an estimated cost of Rs 111 million.

Roads wider than 60ft fall under the jurisdiction of the PWD, while narrower roads, primarily internal colony roads, are overseen by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

The PWD will employ advanced "network survey vehicles" provided by private agencies for the survey. These vehicles are equipped with 3D laser imaging, global positioning system (GPS), and video image capturing tools to automatically collect information regarding road conditions, pavement quality, topography, cracks, and damaged sections. This data will enable the creation of a digital map highlighting various types of damages and defects using different colours.

The PWD plans to utilise two such vehicles for the survey, resulting in two inventories: one for roads and another for pavements. The data collected will serve as the foundation for the PWD's ambitious Rs 19.46 billion road improvement project, as announced in the Delhi government's annual budget.

Experts have lauded this database creation initiative and stressed the importance of regular surveys and updates, especially for parameters like road stress, potholes, and cracks. They suggest conducting such surveys every one or two years, particularly after the monsoon season, to keep the database current and aid in future urban planning and maintenance efforts.