Saudi Roads Authority Deploys AI Road Inspection Fleet for Hajj
State-of-the-art vehicles scan and monitor road conditions in real time, securing key routes to the holy sites
As part of its preparations for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Roads General Authority (RGA) has unveiled the world’s most expansive and technologically advanced AI-powered road inspection fleet. Comprising 18 cutting-edge vehicles, this initiative is designed to boost road safety, ensure higher quality infrastructure, and deliver a seamless experience for millions of pilgrims journeying to the holy sites.
Smart Technology Meets Road Inspection
Each unit in this next-generation fleet is equipped with sophisticated systems capable of performing a range of vital road assessments. These include scanning for surface deterioration, measuring ride quality through the International Roughness Index (IRI), evaluating pavement depth, detecting structural weaknesses, and analysing skid resistance. This all-encompassing approach ensures that potential issues are identified and addressed before they can impact pilgrims’ safety.
Precision Tools for Targeted Analysis
The fleet includes seven high-resolution surface damage scanners. These are fitted with laser sensors, advanced cameras, GPS tracking, and onboard data processors that allow authorities to carry-out precise, real-time evaluations. These tools are particularly crucial for maintaining the heavily trafficked roads leading to Makkah and Madinah, enabling rapid repair responses wherever necessary.
Comprehensive Pavement and Deflection Monitoring
The IRI units - four in total - help assess the smoothness of the road surface, offering insights into vehicle handling and passenger comfort. Meanwhile, three additional units utilise multi-frequency radar technology to assess pavement layer thickness, ensuring the structural integrity of the roadways. Another set of three vehicles measures how roads deform under load, an essential metric for understanding long-term durability and performance.
Ensuring Grip and Safety in Wet Conditions
To assess how roads respond in adverse weather, one dedicated unit is tasked with measuring skid resistance. It simulates wet conditions and gauges friction levels to determine how safe a road remains during rain, a vital feature for routes that may become hazardous under sudden showers.
Scanning Beyond the Pavement
Rounding off this high-tech fleet is a mobile digital imaging scanner that inspects non-paved elements such as signage, barriers, and other roadside infrastructure. This system helps identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate, allowing for smarter and more efficient maintenance operations.
A Vision for Global Leadership in Road Infrastructure
The RGA’s efforts are part of a broader national strategy to transform Saudi Arabia’s road sector. With ambitions to place sixth globally in road quality rankings by 2030, the authority is also working to lower traffic-related fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 inhabitants. Already home to the world’s most connected intercity road network, spanning over 73,000 kilometres, Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a leader in transport innovation and safety.
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