Two young innovators from Shegaon have developed an early-stage prototype aimed at improving road safety during night-time travel through a glow-based road visibility system.
The project, titled Bio-Based Self-Healing and Night Visibility Road Technology, has been developed by Rajvardhan Thakur and Atharv Deshmukh. The innovation focuses on reducing accidents caused by poor visibility on roads at night.
The students have created a special glow-based coating that absorbs light during the daytime and emits it in dark conditions, helping drivers identify road edges, dividers, turns and pathways more clearly. The technology is designed to improve night visibility without requiring electricity.
According to the innovators, the idea emerged after they frequently witnessed poorly visible roads, faded lane markings and accidents during night travel. They noted that conventional thermoplastic road markings often lose visibility over time due to tyre friction, rainwater, dust and environmental wear.
Their research is focused on developing a more durable glowing road marking system using transparent protective coatings to preserve brightness and increase lifespan. The concept was inspired by smart road technologies used in Australia, but modified to suit Indian road conditions and enable low-cost implementation.
The project reportedly cost around ₹7,500 to develop. Materials used in the prototype include strontium aluminate glow powder, acrylic and oil-based road paint, waterproof protective coating, reflective pigments and binding resin materials.
The duo spent nearly a year researching, experimenting and testing the concept, dedicating around two hours daily alongside their academic studies. Several failed trials were conducted before achieving successful results.
The students have already carried out small-scale demonstrations near the Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple and the Shegaon railway station. According to them, the trials received positive feedback and appreciation from local residents.
Their project has also earned recognition at various technical competitions, including awards for project presentations and research paper events.
Apart from the glow-based road technology, the project also includes research on bio-based self-healing cement aimed at reducing pothole formation. The concept involves developing concrete capable of automatically sealing minor cracks before they expand into major road damage. However, the students said this part of the project is still in the experimental stage and requires further testing.
Through Relvian Group, Rajvardhan and Atharv hope to further develop the technology for use on highways, smart city infrastructure, village roads and accident-prone areas across India.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com