Pakistan has launched an AI-powered Road Asset Management System (RAMS) aimed at improving road infrastructure through accurate, real-time tracking of roads, pavements, and bridges. This digital initiative, supported under the UK’s Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Programme, is currently being implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and marks a notable step in utilizing artificial intelligence for better infrastructure planning and resource allocation.
RAMS serves as a centralized platform designed to help government departments monitor and evaluate the condition of physical road assets more efficiently. Using AI algorithms and geospatial data, the system generates accurate insights that can support long-term maintenance planning, budget allocation, and timely repairs. This enhances not only infrastructure performance but also public safety and transport reliability across the province.
Developed as part of a collaborative effort between local stakeholders and international development partners, RAMS is positioned as a tool that promotes transparency, data-driven governance, and sustainable infrastructure management. The integration of technology into public sector operations aligns with broader goals to digitize services and improve institutional effectiveness in infrastructure-related decision-making.
Support for the development and deployment of RAMS comes from the UK-funded SEED Programme, which works to strengthen sustainable economic growth and energy systems in Pakistan. The programme’s involvement has brought technical expertise and strategic guidance to ensure the system meets both local needs and international standards for asset management. Representatives involved in the programme, including Jo Moir, Kashmali Khan, Hasaan Khawar, and Taimur Khan, have expressed strong support for RAMS and its potential to contribute meaningfully to public service delivery.
The AI capabilities integrated into RAMS allow for dynamic data collection and continuous assessment of road conditions, which reduces reliance on manual surveys and enables faster identification of deteriorating infrastructure. This not only improves efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by enabling smarter investments in infrastructure that require fewer emergency repairs and lower carbon footprints over time.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already begun utilizing the platform to enhance road safety, improve maintenance cycles, and make more informed decisions about infrastructure development. The system also holds promise for future expansion into other regions and sectors where asset monitoring and lifecycle planning are critical to efficient governance.
By equipping public institutions with real-time visibility into infrastructure conditions, RAMS is setting a new precedent for how technology can be integrated into provincial and national development strategies. With a focus on building resilient and reliable infrastructure, the system represents an important step in aligning public sector operations with modern digital capabilities.
