Smart Governance in Action: Punjab Uses AI to Ensure Transparent, Need-Based Road Repairs
AI-Powered Innovation Helps Punjab Save Public Funds, Strengthen Infrastructure Efficiency
Chandigarh: In a landmark step towards transparent governance and smart infrastructure management, the Punjab Government has saved Rs 383.53 crore by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess the condition of link roads across the state.
The survey, conducted on 843 link roads spanning 23 districts, revealed that repair proposals for over 1,355 km of roads were unnecessary, as many of these stretches were found to be in good condition. This prevented wastage of public funds while ensuring that only genuinely damaged roads receive priority attention.
The AI-driven process was carried out in two advanced stages. Vehicles equipped with drone cameras and road sensors conducted 360-degree videography, while AI software analyzed cracks, potholes, and surface quality. The system generated digital reports with precise GPS coordinates, helping engineers pinpoint sections that truly required repairs.
"By adopting AI-based inspections, the Punjab Government has not only ensured cost efficiency but also enhanced accountability and transparency in public works," said party spokesperson Neel Garg. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to prudent use of taxpayers’ money while upgrading infrastructure on time.
This is not the first time AI has proven to be a game-changer in Punjab. A pilot project in 2022-23, costing just Rs 4.5 lakh, had already saved nearly Rs 60 crore in road repair costs. Building on that success, the technology was expanded during the preparation of the 2025–26 repair plan, pushing savings from Rs 121.39 crore in earlier phases to a remarkable Rs 383.53 crore this year.
Officials further acknowledged that in the past, road repair proposals often included stretches in good shape, sometimes influenced by local political pressures. With AI surveillance and digital verification now embedded in the process, such discrepancies are being systematically eliminated.
The state government believes this initiative will have long-term benefits: apart from financial savings, it will help ensure timely, need-based repairs, strengthen public confidence, and set a model for technology-led governance across the country.
(For more news apart from “Punjab Leads the Way: AI-Based Road Survey Saves Rs 383 Crore in Repair Costs,” stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
