THE ROAD TO 2025

More like, the road 'in' 2025.Today, Technological advancement can be seen in almost everything around us, from a tiny chip to automobiles and heavy machinery, but hardly anything is done to roads. As far as indian roads are concerned, we first have to think about the EXISTANCE of roads. Some roads are beautifully constructed like The National highway to Goa. It is a pleasurable drive, but at the same time, lots of areas are not well networked like small towns and most of it is not paved yet.
Anyway, we are talking about the future so lets take a look at it.There are individuals coming up with numerous amounts of ideas to improve the road conditions and avoid harm and accidents. If you imagine what it would look like in the year 2025, the possibilities are limitless. ​

• ​ Daan Roosegaarde - Studio Roosegaarde

Well known for his innovative projects fusing technology with energy, has inspired depictions of future roads. E.g. The Van Gogh Smart Path. The VAN GOGH PATH is a part of SMART HIGHWAY, which are interactive and sustainable roads of tomorrow by Daan Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure. Its goal is to make smart roads by using light, energy and information that interact with the traffic situation.

• Solar Roadways

    A US startup 'Solar Roadways' is a modular system of specially engineered solar panels that can be walked and driven upon. These panels contain LED lights to create lines and signage without paint. They contain heating elements to prevent snow and ice accumulation. The panels have microprocessors, which makes them intelligent. This allows the panels to communicate with each other, a central control station, and vehicles. SR panels are made of specifically formulated tempered glass, which can support the weight of semi-trucks. The glass has a tractioned surface which is equivalent to asphalt.

• Piezoelectric energy roads (expected year -2020, trialled country-Israel)

Piezoelectric crystals can generate energy from the vibrations that vehicles generate as they drive along the road. IPEG is a piezoelectric device that can be embedded in sidewalks, roads, railway beds and airport tarmacs to capture the energy created from traffic. Unlike other renewable energy sources, piezoelectric technology integrates with existing infrastructure, requiring no additional real estate.

• Glow in the dark road markings-(expected year-2023, Trialled country-Netherlands)

        Road markings are painted in ‘glow in the dark’ paint, so that they can be seen without  the need for lights.

• Intelligent Interactive Highway system –
  

The automated highway system is defined as "a lane or set of lanes where specially equipped cars, trucks and buses could travel together under computer control (Rillings, 1996)." It is one aspect of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), which apply electronics, computers and control technology developed for aviation, the space program and defense to the improvement of highways vehicles and public transportation. Automated highway systems combine magnetic sensors, computers, digital radio, forward-  looking sensors, video cameras, and display technologies.  

• Wireless electric vehicle charging-(expected year-2018, Trialled country- Brabant, Netherlands)

   Using “inductive power transfer” (the same method by which electric toothbrushes are charged) electric cars can be charged wirelessly as they travel along the road. Removing the need to stop and refuel, ever.

Thoughts of the youngsters -

When teenagers were asked about their expectations from roads in 2025, the responses were amazing as well as surprising because none were expecting any of the inventions mentioned above. They just wanted that their roads to be drivable and safe primarily and not lovable. Following are the thoughts of next generation of citizens on the problems -
•  12th std science student Sarish said -"The main problem I face currently is rough, out-leveled and rugged roads, unwanted speed breakers which cause accidents. I expect the roads of 2025 to be constructed and planned in way that these problems can be avoided, more durable to minor calamities and properly channeled. Metro is also good option.
 • 12th std commerce student Akshata said -"All the roads need to be maintained and networked well as flyovers as they would make one’s life easier. Also, instead of roads, street and sky walker should be developed well , CCTVs need to be installed, for the safety of women."
• 12th std commerce student Rujula said-"The roads should be smoother and wider and a faster mode of transport is needed. The problem that I face right now is that there are uncountable potholes all over, and as I said roads aren't wide which causes traffic jam and takes a lot of time to travel."
• 12th std science student Maitreyee said -"The roads are always under construction, they take years to finish that. Till 2025 each and every citizen should get a paved and good road to walk and drive, with no potholes and fewer accident-prone zone. I also request the people on the roads to be disciplined, and everything should be planned.A  proper path for cyclers is a must. Roads should be leveled and maintained well on priority basis."