AI-Driven Roads Could Slash Accidents and Infrastructure Costs

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India’s road sector could be radically transformed by artificial intelligence, according to a new report from KPMG India. The study, titled AI-Driven Road Revolution, outlines how intelligent infrastructure—powered by sensors, predictive analytics, and real-time data—can reduce traffic fatalities, optimize maintenance, and support the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

India accounts for nearly 11% of global road accident deaths, with over 150,000 fatalities annually. KPMG estimates that AI-enabled traffic management and predictive maintenance could cut accident rates by up to 30% and reduce infrastructure costs by 20%.

“AI is not just a technology upgrade—it’s a public safety imperative,” said Rachna Nath, Partner and Head of Infrastructure at KPMG India. “From smart traffic lights to automated pothole detection, the potential for impact is enormous.”

The report recommends deploying AI across four key areas: intelligent traffic systems, automated road inspections, dynamic tolling, and real-time congestion analytics. Pilot programs in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have already shown promising results, including faster emergency response times and reduced fuel consumption.

KPMG also highlights the need for cross-ministerial coordination, robust data governance, and public-private partnerships to scale AI adoption across India’s 6.3 million km road network.