A Data-Driven Approach to Comprehensive Pothole Management Using GIS for NH-848 from Trimbakeshwar to Nashik

Abstract

This India has the second-largest road network in the world; however, potholes pose a significant maintenance and safety issue, especially in areas with heavy traffic and challenging environmental conditions. The 25-kilometer stretch of NH-848 between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra is particularly affected due to its steep terrain, clayey soils, intense monsoons, and high traffic, especially during pilgrimage seasons. Between 2022 and 2024, this section recorded 267 traffic incidents, primarily caused by recurrent potholes. These incidents resulted in 178 fatalities and 97 serious injuries.To evaluate and address these concerns geographically, the project titled \"Application of GIS for Comprehensive Pothole Analysis - A Data-Driven Approach for NH-848 Nashik to Trimbakeshwar\" utilizes GIS methodologies. Field surveys conducted with Avenza Maps allowed for easier geotagging and categorization of potholes based on severity, frequency, and size. Thematic maps, such as the Pothole Occurrence Categories and Hotspot Analysis, were created using QGIS 3.36. The study recommends using durable repair materials and treating potholes frequently as part of a data-driven intervention strategy. through encouraging continuous surveillance, optimal resource allocation, as well as predictive maintenance, this methodology offers a repeatable framework for enhancing the sustainability of infrastructure.

Introduction

India is facing increasing road distresses—such as cracks, potholes, and sub-grade settlement—primarily due to climate change, poor drainage, and outdated construction methods. In 2022, over 4,400 pothole-related accidents and 1,800 fatalities were reported. A critical example is NH-848 (Nashik–Trimbakeshwar), which saw 95 accidents in 2022, 85 in 2023, and 87 in 2024, many due to potholes, faded markings, and poor road conditions, worsened during pilgrimage seasons.

2. Role of GIS Technology

The study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to:

• Identify pothole-prone zones

• Geotag pothole locations

• Classify severity (small, medium, large)

• Analyze spatial patterns and prioritize repairs

GIS helps integrate field data (GPS locations, photos, measurements) and offers real-time analysis, enabling targeted, cost-effective, and data-driven road maintenance strategies.

3. Methodology

• Study Area: 22.7 km stretch of NH-848 from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar via Gangapur Road, selected for its high traffic, urban-rural mix, and notable deterioration.

• Tools Used: QGIS 3.36, Avenza Maps, Google Earth Pro 7.3.6

• Data Collection: Field surveys recorded pothole size, depth, GPS location, and classification.

• Pothole Categories (as per IRC:82-2015):

  • Small: <25 mm deep, <200 mm wide – minimal traffic impact

  • Medium: 25–50 mm deep, 201–500 mm wide – moderate impact

  • Large: >50 mm deep, >500 mm wide – severe impact

Fieldwork focused on large potholes, the greatest threat to safety and traffic flow.

4. GIS-Based Repair Strategy

• Hotspot Analysis: Spatial overlays identified high-risk zones for prioritization.

• Repair Recommendations: Tailored based on pothole size, waterlogging, terrain, and traffic.

• Goal: Improve road safety, minimize repair costs, and ensure long-term durability using data-backed maintenance planning.

5. Research Gaps Identified

• Underuse of Advanced Tools: QGIS, Avenza Maps, and Google Earth are not fully leveraged for real-time, site-specific pothole tracking.

• Generic Repairs: Current approaches often ignore local conditions (e.g., black cotton soil, rainfall, drainage).

• Lack of Long-Term Planning: Many solutions don’t address root causes, such as poor drainage and subgrade instability.

6. Objectives

• Map and classify potholes along NH-848 using GPS and GIS.

• Identify high-risk zones via geospatial tools.

• Recommend site-specific, sustainable repairs based on pothole data.

Conclusion

Serious safety and maintenance problems were discovered along NH-848 after a detailed investigation into the underlying causes of pavement failure. Through field surveys, terrain evaluation, and spatial mapping, I identified zones where high pothole density, steep slopes, poor road alignment, and inadequate drainage come together—creating conditions that rapidly accelerate surface degradation and structural wear. These overlapping risk factors highlight an urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, including slope-sensitive pavement treatments, efficient drainage systems, and design strategies tailored to the topography. It’s clear that routine patchwork repairs are no longer effective; what\'s needed now are targeted, long-term solutions that address the root causes. This integrated, data-driven approach allows for precise identification of the most vulnerable stretches, enabling smarter intervention planning and improving the long-term safety and durability of this vital corridor. The following conclusions serve as a foundation for focused action and future improvements. 1) NH-848 is dominated by medium and large potholes, which obviously create dangerous conditions that increase the risk for road users, especially in areas that are prone to accidents. These road imperfections clearly impair vehicle control and raise the risk of collisions. Accordingly, I believe that timely maintenance and location specific resurfacing are crucial measures to stop additional damage and improve general safety. 2) The GIS-based analysis of pothole distribution and terrain features reveals clear patterns that highlight the most vulnerable stretches along NH-848. This spatial understanding offers a valuable framework for prioritizing long-term maintenance interventions. Utilizing such data-driven insights enables targeted action, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated to areas where pavement failures are most severe. Adopting this approach can lead to more effective and sustainable road management, ultimately enhancing durability and performance across the corridor. 3) For severely distressed sections of NH-848, rigid pavement with Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) offers a durable, long-term solution capable of withstanding heavy traffic and repeated failures. In moderately damaged areas, Polymer-Modified Cold Mix Asphalt (PM-CMA) provides a flexible, weather-resistant alternative with better adhesion and longevity than standard asphalt. Its cold application is especially effective during the monsoon, enabling faster, cost-efficient repairs with minimal disruption. By strategically applying FRC in high-risk zones and PM-CMA in moderately affected stretches, maintenance can be streamlined, safety improved, and road performance significantly enhanced across the corridor. 4) This study establishes a foundation for future research on road distress and accident patterns at the district level. It offers valuable insights into the underlying causes and key factors that contribute to road failures. These findings can inform future investigations and help develop more effective prevention and management strategies.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Rohan Ahire, Prof. Tejas Bansode, Prof. Sourabh Joshi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.