The Union ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) has chosen highway projects across the country where AI-driven technology will be implemented. Of the 16 pilot projects chosen across the country for the implementation of the technology in 2025-26, one is the Rs 700 crore project in Goa for the four-laning of 22km of the highway from Bendordem to Canacona.
The ministry will use Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for this project, which was successfully tested in the construction of the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway project. Officials said that the Bendordem to Canacona project was sanctioned and will be awarded soon. The new technology will ensure faster, efficient and accurate construction with minimum human intervention.
“AIMC involving GPS-aided motor grader, intelligent compactor and stringless paver were used in the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway project. For the Bendordem to Canacona project, the ministry has said it will facilitate the contractor to get the required licence for the needed radio frequency range to use the technology, from the department of telecommunications,” said an official.
Officials said that AIMC was found useful in projects requiring a significant amount of earthwork like the Goa project. “GPS-guided machines and 3D modelling, among other technologies, will be used to ensure that the construction is as close to the design as possible.
A login and password will be created, where all data from the project will be saved. It is not a substitute for the conventional quality checks, but the aim of AIMC is to aid quality management,” said the official.
The expansion of the NH-66 from Bendordem to the start of the Canacona bypass forms an integral part of the Mumbai-to-Kanyakumari four-lane corridor.
It is a crucial artery connecting the towns of Margao, Cuncolim, and Canacona. It will traverse the villages of Bendordem, Cordem, Barcem and Canacona. This stretch is vital to facilitate the inter-state traffic with Karnataka and Maharashtra, which will also improve intra-state connectivity to Panaji and Margao.
The project is being taken up on a hybrid annuity model, where the govt provides 40% of the project cost as construction support to the private developer during construction. The remaining 60% is paid as annuity payments over the concession period, along with interest. Govt also makes separate payments for operations and maintenance.
