NHAI launches 15-day monsoon preparedness drive to tackle waterlogging on highways

In a bid to prevent waterlogging and ensure smooth vehicular movement on national highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated a nationwide 15-day flood preparedness drive, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said on Monday, June 23, 2025.

This measure involves a coordinated and multi-layered approach to address critical infrastructure challenges caused by seasonal rains.

In this initiative, NHAI officials are carrying out inspections across vulnerable highway stretches along with contractors and consultants focusing on to identify areas at risk of waterlogging and landslides and to ensure the effective functioning of drainage systems, culverts, and bridges.

While, special attention is being given to maintaining a free flow of rainwater across these structures, the ministry said.

To prevent blockages, rainwater harvesting structures are being desilted and cleaned.

Moreover roadside drains and outlets are being repaired to facilitate better water discharge, while potholes on main roads and diversion routes are being promptly repaired, and drainage components such as RE wall weep holes and cross drains are being cleared, according to the ministry.

"Emergency equipment and material like excavators, sandbags, signage are being mobilized at various waterlogging prone sites to enable connectivity and provide safe & smooth movement of traffic during the monsoon rains," the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways stated.

NHAI is also enhancing coordination with local authorities, administrative bodies, and executing agencies to ensure quick response in the event of floods or landslides. 

For the instant action, the government has dedicated round-to-clock Emergency Response Teams (ERT) equipped with necessary machinery, while Field offices have formed Quick Response Teams (QRT) to closely monitor vulnerable locations.

Further the ministry informed, NHAI is adopting technology-based solutions to strengthen its preparedness and provide real-time weather, traffic alerts to commuters 

The government has deployed drones to assess road conditions, detect pavement cracks, and ensure proper road gradient maintenance.