Road Marking Innovations

Founded in 2014, Nagpur-based Pragati Pavetech Pvt. Ltd is into manufacturing road marking machines, materials and innovations in the field of road safety. Managing Director Dr. Nitin Nakhat, responds to queries posed by TrafficInfratech.

Global Developments in Road Marking Machines and Materials

Globally, the road marking industry is rapidly moving toward automation, precision and sustainability. High-output self-propelled machines, automated guidance systems and advanced application technologies are becoming the norm. On the materials side, emphasis is being placed on environment-friendly thermoplastic formulations, cold-applied plastics and markings designed to integrate with autonomous vehicle navigation systems through enhanced retro-reflectivity.

Pragati Pavetech’s Innovations

Pragati Pavetech has always been recognized for introducing cutting-edge road marking equipment tailored to Indian and international conditions. Two years ago, we launched India’s first Audio-Tactile Raised Rib Marking Machine, which was formally inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji. Since then, the technology has been adopted on all new expressway projects, including the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway, Ganga Expressway, Bharatmala corridors and the Gorakhpur Link Expressway, among others.

Our latest innovations include India’s first indigenous retro-reflectivity meter – a portable device for accurate measurement of night-time visibility of road markings and road marking thickness meter – ensuring quality compliance by measuring applied thermoplastic and paint thickness with precision. Both these instruments address a critical gap by empowering agencies and contractors with the tools to evaluate quality independently, without relying on costly imported devices.

Developments in India

India has made significant strides in highway construction but road marking practices are still evolving. The adoption of Audio-Tactile markings on expressways is a welcome step. However, the need for robust quality control mechanisms remains pressing, as infrastructure growth must be matched with consistent safety standards.

Challenges in the Indian Context

One of the biggest challenges is that responsible authorities themselves are often not equipped to verify the quality of markings. Without proper tools to measure reflectivity, thickness and durability, enforcement of standards becomes inconsistent. Additionally, India’s diverse climate conditions—from monsoons to extreme heat—pose unique technical challenges for materials and application methods.

 Importance of Road Markings for Road Safety

Road markings are not mere aesthetics; they are the language of the road, guiding drivers, preventing lane departures and reducing accidents. Audio-Tactile markings, in particular, have proven highly effective in preventing run-off-road crashes caused by fatigue or distraction. They are indispensable for modern highways and hilly terrains alike.

Pragati Pavetech at TrafficInfratech Expo 2025

At this year’s Expo, Pragati Pavetech will proudly showcase its indigenous Retro-Reflectivity Meter and Road Marking Thickness Meter for the first time. Alongside, our proven self-propelled audio-tactile road marking machines will also be highlighted. We believe these offerings will set new benchmarks for quality assurance and application technology in India.