As the annual Hajj pilgrimage approaches, Saudi Arabia has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving road safety. The Roads General Authority (RGA) has unveiled the largest and most advanced AI-powered road inspection fleet in the world. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims expected to travel to the holy sites.
The fleet includes 18 specialised units equipped with cutting-edge technologies. These are designed to monitor road conditions, detect potential hazards, and support immediate maintenance work. The goal is to deliver a smooth and secure journey for pilgrims heading to Mecca and the surrounding holy areas.
What The Fleet Does
The inspection units are packed with technology that allows for real-time data collection and detailed analysis of road conditions. The RGA says five core technologies are being used across the fleet, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the Kingdom’s road infrastructure.
- Surface Damage Scanners: Seven units are dedicated to scanning the surface of roads for cracks, wear, and other damage. These scanners use high-resolution cameras, laser systems, GPS, and data storage tools. This allows authorities to make fast and accurate decisions about road repairs.
- Smoothness and Comfort Testing: Four units measure the International Roughness Index (IRI), which helps determine how smooth a road feels while driving. These use laser sensors to assess road evenness, which directly impacts driving safety and comfort.
- Pavement Thickness Analysis: Another three vehicles use multi-frequency radar to check how thick the layers of the road are. This helps engineers understand how strong the road is and how long it will last under heavy traffic.
- Deflection Monitoring: Three more units are fitted with sensor systems that test how much a road bends or deflects under the weight of vehicles. This provides valuable insights into road durability and structural health.
- Skid Resistance Testing: One special unit simulates wet weather to test how slippery the road becomes when it rains. This is vital for planning safety measures in case of bad weather conditions during Hajj.
- Imaging of Roadside Features: The final piece of the fleet is a mobile digital imaging scanner. It inspects elements not directly part of the road surface, such as signs, safety barriers, and lighting. This helps the RGA identify areas that might pose risks and plan better maintenance schedules.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision
This major rollout is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to improve national infrastructure and public safety. The RGA has set clear goals for the next five years: to make the country’s road quality rank sixth in the world and reduce road deaths to fewer than five per 100,000 people.
With over 73,000 kilometres of roads already making up the Kingdom’s intercity network, this new technology is expected to further raise the standard of the nation’s roadways.
The use of artificial intelligence and advanced scanning tools reflects a growing trend in the region to embrace smart technology solutions in public services. By launching the world’s largest fleet of its kind, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in road safety innovation.
A Safer Journey For Millions
Millions of pilgrims travel by road each year during the Hajj season, and the condition of the roads can significantly affect their safety and experience. By actively monitoring and improving roads in real time, the RGA is hoping to prevent accidents, reduce travel delays, and ensure that the spiritual journey is also a physically smooth one.
Authorities say this technology will be especially useful on the main routes leading to and from Mecca, where traffic volumes are highest and road conditions are most critical.
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