AI generated image used for representation

New Delhi: For continuous ‘health monitoring’ of major and extra long old bridges on NH, highway owning agencies will now install advanced sensors for quick warning in case of abnormal behavior so that corrective steps can be taken before any accident.The Road Transport Ministry has issued a standardized tender document (RFP) for procurement of Continuous Structure Monitoring System for bridges, which highway owning agencies and their engineers can use to invite bids. This is important keeping in mind that there is a dire need to monitor the behavior of old major bridges on the NH network of the country.Installing sensors to monitor bridge health is part of new major bridges, but a large number of older bridges do not have them, officials said. “We need to ensure that old bridges are continuously monitored. Now regional officials of NHAI, road transport ministry and NHIDCL can use the document to rope in the firms,” ​​said an official.The agencies engaged will be responsible for the supply, installation, commissioning and long-term operation and maintenance of advanced equipment designed to track the structural integrity of bridges in real time. This involves the deployment of a wide range of sensors, along with hardware for data acquisition, transmission and reporting, enabling authorities to detect early warning signs of stress, damage or failure.According to the document, such works will be divided into two phases – the first phase will be for six months for installation and commissioning of the bridge health monitoring system and the second phase will include operation and maintenance of the system, ensuring interruption free functioning for at least 10 years.