Introduction
Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, has recently witnessed the installation of digital information boards on several National Highways, a move spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). These boards, equipped with QR codes, promise commuters real‑time updates on road conditions, toll rates, and project timelines. While the initiative aligns with the government’s push for smart‑city solutions, commuters and watchdog groups have raised concerns that critical contractor information is absent from the displays. This article examines the rollout, the intended functionality, public feedback, and the broader implications for transparency in infrastructure projects.
QR‑code boards across Bengaluru
The NHAI began installing QR‑code‑enabled information panels at key junctions of the Bengaluru‑Mysuru and Bengaluru‑Hosur corridors in early 2024. Each board features a prominently displayed QR code, a concise tagline, and a static visual of the road segment. The boards are positioned near toll plazas, flyovers, and major entry‑exit points, ensuring that a high volume of daily commuters can scan them without detouring from their route.
Intended user experience
When a driver scans the QR code with a smartphone, they are redirected to a mobile‑optimized portal that aggregates data from NHAI’s traffic management system. The portal is designed to deliver:
- Live traffic density and expected travel time.
- Current toll rates and any scheduled changes.
- Project milestones, including start dates, expected completion, and any ongoing construction activities.
Below is a snapshot of the core features as of 17 December 2025:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Live traffic feed | Updates every 5 minutes sourced from GPS‑linked sensors. |
| Toll calculator | Shows exact charges for different vehicle categories. |
| Project timeline | Gantt‑style view of ongoing works with expected finish dates. |
| Safety alerts | Instant notifications for accidents or road closures. |
The portal also allows users to submit feedback, which NHAI claims will be reviewed weekly to improve service quality.
Missing contractor details and public criticism
Despite the high‑tech veneer, many commuters have reported that the portal omits the names of contractors responsible for each construction segment. Local road‑safety NGOs, citing the original report, argue that this omission hampers accountability. Without contractor identifiers, citizens cannot easily trace performance issues, raise grievances, or verify compliance with safety standards.
Social‑media threads and community forums have highlighted several incidents where delayed work or sub‑standard materials were reported, yet no clear link to the responsible firms could be established. The criticism has prompted calls for an amendment to the QR‑code portal to include a “Contractor Info” tab.
What the gap means for accountability
Transparency in public‑infrastructure projects is a cornerstone of anti‑corruption frameworks. By providing real‑time data but withholding contractor identities, the NHAI’s system creates a partial information environment. Analysts suggest that this could inadvertently shield under‑performing firms from public scrutiny, weakening the feedback loop that drives quality improvements.
Moreover, the absence of contractor details runs counter to the Right to Information Act expectations, where citizens are entitled to know who is executing public works. Legal experts note that adding contractor information would not only satisfy civic demand but also align the QR‑code initiative with broader e‑governance standards.
Looking ahead: scaling transparency
Stakeholders propose three actionable steps to enhance the platform:
- Integrate a dedicated contractor section that lists firm names, contact details, and contract values.
- Enable a two‑way communication channel where users can rate contractor performance, with the data fed into NHAI’s oversight dashboard.
- Adopt periodic third‑party audits to verify that the information displayed matches on‑ground realities.
If implemented, these measures could transform the QR‑code boards from a mere informational gadget into a robust accountability tool, setting a precedent for other Indian metros.
Conclusion
The QR‑code information boards installed by NHAI in Bengaluru represent a forward‑thinking blend of technology and public service, delivering live traffic and toll data directly to commuters. However, the current exclusion of contractor details undermines the platform’s potential as a transparency catalyst. By addressing this gap, the authority can strengthen citizen trust, improve project oversight, and pave the way for smarter, more accountable infrastructure across the nation.
Image by: Dương Nhân
https://www.pexels.com/@d-ng-nhan-324384
