Challenges in Adopting Smart Road Sensing Technology for Monitoring and Maintenance of Road Infrastructure in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

With India having the second-largest road network globally (5,603,293 km), following the United States, the country is positioned to lead in transforming smart roads. The rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has garnered significant attention for its applications in road infrastructure monitoring. This study systematically examines the challenges in adopting smart road sensing technology for infrastructure monitoring and maintenance in Bilaspur city of Chhattisgarh. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining both primary data collection through surveys and interviews and secondary data collection through a deep literature survey. Currently, in Bilaspur city, the monitoring and maintenance of road infrastructure is done through traditional methods, which include: visual distress survey, manual pothole patching, crack sealing, cleaning the drainage system, and periodic resurfacing. The traditional system of monitoring and maintenance of road infrastructure in Bilaspur city is associated with limitations. The limitations of traditional methods for monitoring and maintenance of road infrastructure in Bilaspur city can be significantly mitigated through the integration of smart road sensing technologies, which shift maintenance paradigms from reactive to proactive strategies by enabling early detection and quantification of pavement distress. While interviewing the related authorities and through a previous literature survey, the author found that the adoption of smart road sensing technologies for monitoring and maintenance of road infrastructure in Bilaspur city faces a number of challenges. The results reveal that the key challenges faced in Bilaspur city for adopting smart road sensing technology include: a). Technical challenges (sensor accuracy and reliability, sensor failure under prolonged use, data fusion and interpretation, real-time processing and latency, power consumption and durability, and environmental and weather challenges), b). Economic challenges (high initial costs, return on investment concerns, ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs, infrastructure damage during installation), and c). Regulatory and standardisation challenges (lack of standardisation, privacy and security concerns, and regulatory approval and compliance). There is a need to address these challenges before the implementation of the smart road sensing system in Bilaspur city of Chhattisgarh. Future studies should focus on the development of more durable and energy-efficient sensor technologies, integration of 5G and edge computing for improved real-time processing.