Long drives across India are about to get smarter, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to install signboards embedded with QR codes across the national highway network. These boards promise to make journeys smoother, safer, and far more convenient, giving commuters instant access to essential information at the tap of a screen. With this initiative, NHAI is not just embracing technology—it’s redefining how we navigate the country’s sprawling highway system.
The new vertical QR code signboards will provide travellers with a wealth of project-specific information. A simple scan will reveal the highway number, chainage, project length, and timelines for construction and maintenance. Details of key officials, including the Highway Patrol, Toll Manager, Project Manager, and Resident Engineer, will be easily accessible, along with emergency helpline 1033 and NHAI field office contacts. Essentially, every highway stretch will now have its own digital footprint, giving commuters clarity and confidence while on the road.
The initiative is designed to enhance transparency, allowing travellers to see the work behind each highway project and its timelines. Beyond official contacts, the boards will also highlight nearby facilities, such as hospitals, petrol pumps, toilets, restaurants, police stations, vehicle repair shops, truck lay-byes, toll plazas, and even electric vehicle charging stations. This integration of project and utility information ensures that travellers have both logistical and emergency support at their fingertips.
NHAI plans to install these QR code boards at points where they will have maximum visibility and impact. Key locations include toll plazas, rest areas, wayside amenities, truck lay-byes, and the start and end points of highway stretches. By placing them strategically, NHAI aims to ensure that travellers can easily access the information they need, whether it’s guidance for navigation, locating nearby services, or reaching emergency contacts quickly.
The idea is simple: empower highway users with information to make their journeys safer and less stressful. With rising incidents of road accidents and delays due to lack of real-time information, the QR code boards act as both a navigational aid and a safety measure. From knowing the distance to the next toll plaza to finding the nearest medical facility during an emergency, travellers can make decisions quickly, backed by accurate, on-the-go data.
The QR code initiative is part of NHAI’s broader push towards digital infrastructure and ‘Ease of Commuting’ for India’s highway users. Beyond project transparency, it strengthens road safety, ensuring that help is just a scan away. It also enhances the overall user experience, providing a smoother and more informed journey for daily commuters, long-distance travellers, as well as commercial drivers.
For a country with a growing network of national highways, integrating technology like this marks a significant step forward. It’s not just about roads—it’s about creating a connected, smart travel ecosystem where safety, convenience, and transparency are priorities. Soon, every highway stretch in India will carry not just asphalt and signage, but a digital gateway to essential information, making the journey as seamless as the destination.
1. What are NHAI’s QR code signboards?
Signboards on highways that let travellers scan QR codes for project info, emergency contacts, and nearby services.
2. What information can I access through the QR codes?
Highway number, chainage, project length, timelines, key contacts, emergency helplines, and nearby facilities like hospitals, fuel stations, and EV chargers.
3. Where will the QR code boards be installed?
Boards will be placed at toll plazas, rest areas, truck lay-byes, wayside amenities, and the start and end points of highway stretches for maximum visibility and convenience.
4. How will these QR codes improve road safety?
Instant access to emergency contacts and nearby services helps travellers respond quickly to accidents or breakdowns.
5. Who can benefit from these QR code signboards?
Commuters, long-distance travellers, truck drivers, and EV users—all get better navigation, support, and facility info.
