NHAI to Install QR Code Sign Boards on Highways for Safety and Transparency

In a major step towards enhancing transparency, commuter convenience, and road safety, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the installation of Project Information Sign Boards with Quick Response (QR) Codes across the country’s National Highway network. The initiative is aimed at providing real-time, project-specific information and crucial emergency contacts to highway users, thereby creating a more transparent and user-friendly road ecosystem.

Key Features of the QR Code Sign Boards

The vertical QR Code sign boards will be strategically placed along highways and will provide a wide range of details, including:

• Project-specific information such as National Highway number, chainage, total project length, and details of construction or maintenance periods.

• Contact information of key personnel such as Highway Patrol, Toll Manager, Project Manager, Resident Engineer, and the nearest NHAI field office.

• Emergency helpline numbers, including the 24x7 toll-free helpline 1033.

• Nearby facilities and services, including:

  • Hospitals and healthcare centers,

  • Petrol pumps and e-vehicle charging stations,

  • Public toilets and rest areas,

  • Police stations, restaurants, and truck lay-byes,

  • Vehicle repair shops and puncture service stations,

  • Distances to toll plazas and other key landmarks.

The boards will serve as a one-stop information hub, ensuring that commuters can quickly access critical data by scanning the QR code using their smartphones.

Strategic Placement for Commuter Convenience

To maximize utility and visibility, these QR code sign boards will be installed at:

• Wayside amenities and rest areas,

• Toll plazas,

• Truck lay-byes,

• Entry and exit points of highways,

• Other prominent signage locations.

This placement ensures that road users, including long-haul truck drivers, tourists, and daily commuters, can easily access vital information at key junctions and stopovers.

Enhancing Road Safety and User Experience

The NHAI initiative goes beyond providing project transparency—it is also expected to make a significant contribution to road safety and emergency preparedness. By offering immediate access to emergency numbers, healthcare facilities, and repair services, the QR-enabled boards will reduce response times during accidents, breakdowns, or other roadside emergencies.

Moreover, the boards will serve to raise awareness about National Highway projects, keeping commuters informed about construction schedules, maintenance activities, and new infrastructure upgrades. This will improve trust between the government and highway users by ensuring transparency and accountability.

Part of Digital India and Ease of Living Initiatives

The move aligns with the broader objectives of Digital India and the government’s vision of improving Ease of Living for citizens. By integrating technology into transport infrastructure, NHAI is modernizing roadways and contributing to the Smart Mobility ecosystem.

The project also supports India’s push towards sustainable and digitally connected infrastructure, making the country’s roadways safer, more efficient, and commuter-friendly.

Looking Ahead

With more than 1.46 lakh km of National Highways across the country, the phased rollout of QR code-enabled information boards promises to transform India’s highway user experience. Once implemented nationwide, this initiative will make commuting not just easier and safer but also more transparent, reinforcing India’s commitment to world-class infrastructure development.