Odisha Accelerates Road Development with AI-Based Monitoring Platform

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has launched a cutting-edge AI-based infrastructure and Construction Monitoring and Project Management Platform, marking a bold step toward smarter governance and faster infrastructure delivery.

The move comes at a time when Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is visiting Odisha to lay the foundation for 13 National Highway projects worth ₹2,905 crore and inaugurate additional road projects totalling over ₹4,100 crore. These investments underscore Odisha’s growing role in India’s infrastructure push.

But with great ambition comes a significant challenge—delays, cost overruns, and lack of coordination have crippled project execution. The AI platform aims to solve these systemic issues with the power of technology.

Why Odisha Needs AI in Infrastructure

The state has an ambitious goal under the ‘Vikashit Odisha’ initiative—to expand the total road length from 30,000 km to 75,000 km by 2036, including 5,000 km of new roads every year.

However, ground-level execution is hampered by severe manpower shortages. There are numerous vacancies for Junior and Assistant Engineers, who play a key role in on-site supervision. As a result, critical aspects like land acquisition, forest clearance, and utility shifting face frequent delays.

To fill the gap, the Works Department has turned to consultants, which increases costs and reduces efficiency. The new AI platform is designed to solve these issues by reducing human dependency and streamlining execution.

 AI infrastructure monitoring Odisha

The platform combines Artificial Intelligence, drone-based surveillance, LiDAR scanning, and real-time dashboards to create an integrated solution for project management.

Key Features Include:

• Digital Surveillance: Tracks progress through drone imagery and LiDAR scans.

• Predictive Delay Alerts: AI detects early warning signs of project slippage or cost overrun.

• Unified Dashboards: Brings all departments, contractors, and consultants into one collaborative space.

• Geo-Tagged Documentation: Ensures digital records for inspections, compliance, and audits.

This shift from manual to digital monitoring will boost transparency, enhance coordination, and cut delays—ensuring that public money is spent effectively.

Backing by National Data

Odisha’s move aligns with national concerns flagged by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) 2024 Report. The report revealed:

• 46% of public projects are delayed due to poor inter-departmental coordination.

• Cost overruns total ₹4.4 lakh crore across 1,788 central sector projects.

• Only 20% of projects finish on time.

• Lack of real-time tracking and data transparency are common issues.

These numbers reveal a crisis in project governance. Odisha’s AI initiative is a direct response—using real-time monitoring and smart alerts to keep projects on track.

A Model for India’s Vision 2047

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) aims for world-class, sustainable roads under its Vision 2047 plan. Odisha’s initiative aligns perfectly with this national roadmap. By integrating AI, the state is not only improving its own delivery model but also offering a scalable solution for other states and agencies.

A Digital Leap for Development

Odisha’s AI platform is more than just a tech tool—it’s a strategic intervention in how public infrastructure is planned, monitored, and delivered. It addresses real challenges on the ground and brings transparency, speed, and accountability to the forefront. If implemented effectively, it can transform how India builds its future—and Odisha is leading the way.