IRC SP 55 and Road Inventory Inspection: Modernising India’s Road Network

India’s vast road network is the backbone of its economy, carrying over 60% of freight and 85% of passenger traffic. Ensuring the durability and safety of these assets requires modern approaches to monitoring and maintenance. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) developed IRC SP 55: Guidelines for Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Flexible Pavements to standardise best practices.

Today, the integration of road asset management India, app based road survey tools, and advanced road inventory inspection India methods is transforming how highways are evaluated and maintained. These approaches not only extend pavement life but also align with IRC SP 55 standards, driving efficiency and safety across the highway network.

1. Understanding IRC SP 55 Standards

The IRC SP 55 guidelines provide a structured approach to maintaining and rehabilitating flexible pavements. They highlight the importance of:

• Road inventory inspection to record asset details such as pavement type, width, surface condition, and drainage structures.
• Pavement condition survey to monitor cracks, potholes, rutting, and surface deterioration.
• Prioritising rehabilitation strategies based on traffic loading, pavement age, and distress levels.

By adopting these practices, agencies can improve highway asset management India and achieve cost efficiency while ensuring safer, longer-lasting pavements.

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2. Role of Road Inventory Inspection in Asset Management

A detailed road inventory inspection forms the foundation of road asset management India. It provides reliable data for planning, prioritisation, and budget allocation. Traditionally, this process involved manual surveys, which were time-consuming and inconsistent.

With app based road survey systems, the process has become faster, more accurate, and fully digital. These modern solutions help capture pavement data, GPS locations, roadside furniture, and drainage conditions, all in real-time.

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3. Modernisation with AI and App Based Road Surveys

Digital transformation has accelerated the adoption of AI-powered technologies:

• AI-based traffic surveys provide real-time data on vehicle volume and load factors.
• App based road surveys streamline field data collection with GPS integration.
• AI pavement monitoring systems detect cracks and potholes early, aligning with IRC SP 55’s preventive maintenance approach.
• Road safety audits ensure compliance with national safety standards while reducing accident risks.

Together, these innovations modernise compliance with IRC SP 55 standards and strengthen India’s highway asset management framework.

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4. Benefits of Aligning with IRC SP 55 and AI Tools

Implementing IRC SP 55 guidelines with digital monitoring tools provides:

• Cost efficiency: Proactive maintenance reduces expensive full-scale rehabilitations.
• Extended pavement life: Early detection and treatment of defects ensure durability.
• Improved safety: Regular road safety audits reduce risks for drivers.
• Data-driven planning: Reliable insights from road inventory inspection support better policy decisions.

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5. Future of Highway Asset Management in India

The future of highway asset management India will depend on scaling digital surveys, AI-based monitoring, and integration of case studies to demonstrate measurable results. Government agencies and private builders will increasingly adopt app based road surveys to meet national road safety and sustainability goals.

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Conclusion

India’s roads are evolving, and so are the methods used to maintain them. By combining IRC SP 55 standards, road inventory inspection India, and modern AI-driven tools, stakeholders can create a reliable, sustainable, and safer network.

RoadVision AI is revolutionizing roads and transforming infrastructure development and maintenance with its innovative solutions in AI in roads. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, digital twin technology, and advanced computer vision, the platform conducts thorough road safety audits, ensuring the early detection of potholes and other surface issues for timely repairs and improved road conditions. The integration of potholes detection and data-driven insights through AI also enhances traffic surveys, addressing congestion and optimizing road usage. Focused on creating smarter roads, RoadVision AI ensures compliance with  IRC Codes, empowering engineers and stakeholders to reduce costs, minimize risks, and elevate road safety and transportation efficiency.

Book a demo with us: Contact RoadVision AI today.

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FAQs

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Q1. What is IRC SP 55 and why is it important?

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It is a guideline issued by the Indian Roads Congress for maintenance and rehabilitation of flexible pavements, ensuring standardised practices across India.

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Q2. How does road inventory inspection support asset management?

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It provides accurate data about road assets, helping authorities prioritise repairs, allocate budgets, and improve safety.

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Q3. Can app based road surveys replace manual surveys?

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Yes. They ensure faster, more accurate, and GPS-enabled data collection, aligning with IRC SP 55 standards and modern asset management practices.

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