National Highway feasibility studies get a tech boost

NEW DELHI: The road ministry has made it mandatory to use light detection and ranging ( LiDAR) technology to conduct feasibility studies for all highway projects. The technology uses ultraviolet or near infrared light to undertake detailed study even in hilly areas, which can be completed fast and allows assessments that are accurate.

Using this technology, feasibility studies of 100-200 km can be completed in a day. Traditional survey techniques can take over a fortnight. The gadgets using LiDAR technology can be installed in choppers and mobile vehicles to carry out the survey. Laser scanners measure three-dimensional (3D) points on the surface of the earth.

Sources said road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari signed the order to use this technology for preparing better projects so that these can be completed within deadlines and there is no cost overrun. "Poor feasibility studies have huge repercussions during construction phase of any project. Feasibility study forms a major part of the project life cycle. Better and accurate reports are key for execution," said a road ministry official.

He added that the technology will be of huge help to conduct surveys in areas falling under Jammu and Kashmir, northeast and Uttarakhand. Explaining how poor feasibility reports can impact a project take off, the official said in some of the projects in Arunachal Pradesh, bidders have complained about the quality of the project preparatory data. "We are not getting bids despite these being funded by the government," the official said.

According to officials, the cost involved in such studies would be double of the amount spent in traditional mechanism. "But early preparation, accurate data for planning projects and exact cost estimation would result in huge savings to government agencies. Cost and time overrun have huge impact on government expenditure," an official said.

The technology also can be used in regular intervals to detect changes in road surface, deformation or rock face instability so that corrective steps can be taken. The survey reports can also give details of the drainage pattern required for water bodies in proximity to the planned stretch.

LiDAR has become an established method for collecting very dense and accurate elevation values across the world.