On 6th August, 2020 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an agreement with Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in data driven decision making and Advance Data Management System for Highways (ADMS Highways).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman NHAI and Dr V Ram Gopal Rao Director, IIT Delhi.
Objective
The advanced Artificial Intelligence based Data Analytics of highways and traffic patterns at Centre of Excellence will be essential for making data driven decision making at national level.
Key Points of MoU
i.Under the agreement IIT Delhi will work with NHAI to develop advanced analytics based on Artificial Intelligence, prepare simulation models, enhance data storage and retrieval capacities to strengthen data-driven decision making.
ii.The collaboration will take place on identified key thrust areas:
- Project management and data management
- Highway network traffic demand and incident management
- Highway safety
- Highway work zone management
- Highway pavement management system
iii.IIT Delhi will give inputs to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Data Management Policy.
iv.As part of the agreement National Highways Authority of India(NHAI) will grant necessary access to information resources including data software Data Lake.
Support for Research Facilities
- As part of the agreement IIT Delhi will provide space and infrastructure to house the Centre of Excellence(CoE).
- IIT Delhi is also set to provide scientific and technical expertise to extend research facilities.
- Efforts to be made to attract students & research scholars to set up start-ups and incubators on different transportation and highways related research solutions.
- National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will extend required financial support to carry out research activities at the proposed Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Management Structure
The operations at Centre of Excellence(CoE) for Advance Data Management System for Highways (ADMS Highways) will be managed by a two-tier management structure.
i.Advisory Board – Mentors the activities of the platform including initiation, continuation of work, approval of joint collaborative projects and suggestions mechanisms to achieve objectives. It also monitors the activities being undertaken and reviews the overall progress.
ii.Co-ordination Committee – which will oversee overall coordination and timely progress. It is to be chaired by the Dean (research and development) of IIT Delhi and a senior official from NHAI and also experts from academic and research institutes. A Professor to be appointed as a coordinator of the centre by IIT Delhi.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:
Union Minister – Nitin Jairam Gadkari
Minister of State (MoS)- General Vijay Kumar Singh.
