Global Smart Roads Market Outlook, 2029

The emergence and widespread use of autonomous vehicles is one of the major advances and changes in transport engineering that have occurred recently. As this technology becomes more and more commonplace, it is now required to put certain systems and contexts in place to support autonomous vehicle operations. As a result, when it comes to road infrastructure, a new viewpoint is emerging, one that attempts to extend the lifespan of recently constructed roads, boost their efficiency and upkeep, and reduce their financial and economic impact all at the same time. Roadway pavements are one of the main elements that influence how vehicles operate; as new materials or design techniques have been used, this unique feature has undergone numerous mechanical and physical alterations over time. Due to the growing popularity of autonomous vehicles, scientific research has started looking into and developing ways to consider using road pavements and platforms as a means of communication and information exchange, rather than just as a place to carry loads. In fact, they may even be used as a source of energy. With this new strategy, "Smart Roads," or road infrastructures that can self-monitor and communicate with vehicles, are introduced. These represent key viewpoints on driverless vehicles and the life cycle of the highway platform. These developments greatly increase road safety and emergency response times in addition to improving traffic flow and easing congestion. Furthermore, because smart roads offer the infrastructure required for flawless communication and operation, they are essential to the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. Growing urbanization, government spending on smart infrastructure, and consumer demand for eco-friendly and effective transportation options are the main drivers of the industry's expansion. The worldwide smart roads sector is set to transform our relationship with our transportation networks and propel urban mobility forward as long as technology keeps improving.


According to the research report, “Global Smart Roads Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research the market is expected to grow with 10.10% CAGR by 2024-29. Strong development in the market for smart roads is anticipated due to the growing need for improved traffic control, safer roads, and effective transit systems. The growing use of cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics, which provide real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent traffic control, is one of the key market dynamics. Market expansion is further fueled by government efforts and significant expenditures in smart infrastructure projects. Adoption of smart road solutions is fueled by the movement toward the creation of smart cities as well as the increasing focus on lowering carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Significant growth factors also include the integration of connected and autonomous vehicles and the fast urbanization of emerging economies. With these trends continuing, the global transportation networks are about to undergo a transformation with the Smart Roads industry providing innovative solutions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable roadways.

Market Drivers

• Government Initiatives and Investments in Smart Infrastructure: To address urban mobility issues and boost transportation efficiency, governments around the world are placing a higher priority on the development of smart infrastructure. As part of larger smart city programs, significant investments are going toward smart road projects. The goal of these initiatives is to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into road networks, like real-time data analytics, automated tolling, and intelligent traffic management systems. To facilitate the implementation of smart road technology, for instance, governments in North America and Europe have introduced a number of initiatives and financing possibilities. These initiatives are motivated by the desire to improve road safety, lessen traffic congestion, and encourage sustainable urban growth. The robust financial backing and support from the government foster an atmosphere that is favorable to the quick growth of the smart roads industry.
• Technological Developments and Connected Vehicle Technology Integration: The market for smart roads is mostly driven by the quick development of technologies like big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). By enabling the development of intelligent road systems that can track, evaluate, and react to traffic conditions in real time, these technologies improve the effectiveness and security of transportation networks. Moreover, the use of smart road solutions is growing with the incorporation of autonomous and connected vehicle technology. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication infrastructure installed on smart roads can enhance the safe and effective operation of autonomous cars by enabling smooth interactions between vehicles and the surrounding environment. The convergence of technologies not only improves the efficiency of smart roads but also propels their extensive implementation and growth.

Market Challenges



• High Implementation Costs and Complex Infrastructure: One of the primary obstacles facing the smart road industry is the high cost of deploying and maintaining cutting-edge technologies. A significant financial investment is needed to upgrade the current road infrastructure and incorporate smart technology like IoT sensors, AI-based traffic control systems, and real-time data analytics platforms. In order to maintain the systems functional and efficient, this also covers the initial installation costs as well as continuing maintenance and updates. Furthermore, there may be practical difficulties in integrating these technologies into the current infrastructure, which calls for cooperation between different government agencies, business partners, and technology suppliers. The intricacy and financial strain can be especially difficult for developing areas with constrained resources and undeveloped infrastructure.
• Data Security and Privacy Concerns: Major privacy and security concerns are brought up by smart road systems' dependency on real-time communication and data collection. Numerous sensors and gadgets are continuously collecting large volumes of data, including personal data from linked cars. One of the biggest challenges is making sure that this data is protected from illegal access and cyber threats. System flaws may result in possible hacking, data leaks, and interruptions to safety and traffic control activities. Building strong cyber security defenses and laws to protect data integrity and privacy are crucial to winning over the public and guaranteeing the safe use of smart road technologies. It will take coordinated efforts from governments, technology companies, and industry players to address these issues.

Market Trends

• Integration of IoT and Real-Time Data Analytics: The growing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with real-time data analytics to improve road management and safety is one of the key trends in the smart roads market. Road infrastructure is equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that gather information on traffic flow, vehicle speed, and environmental conditions. This data is evaluated to predict repair needs, manage traffic, and optimize traffic signals. Dynamic traffic management systems that can adjust to changing circumstances, cut down on delays, and enhance overall road safety are made possible by this real-time data. Additionally, predictive maintenance—which detects possible problems before they become serious and lowers maintenance costs and road disruptions—is made possible by the use of data analytics.
• Development of Infrastructure for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: The development of infrastructure to facilitate connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) is a noteworthy trend. Elements that enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication are being incorporated into smart road designs. These elements are essential for the safe and effective functioning of autonomous driving systems. This entails putting in place specialized lanes, communication hubs, and cutting-edge sensors that enable smooth communication between cars and the road infrastructure. By offering real-time data on traffic patterns, road conditions, and other crucial information, this infrastructure is being developed to assist the deployment of autonomous cars. This will improve the safety and effectiveness of CAV operations and pave the way for their wider acceptance.

Based on the report, the Technology segment is segmented into Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication, Traffic Management Systems, Smart Lighting Systems and Others. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) segment is expected to lead in the Smart Roads Market due to its ability to enhance traffic management, improve road safety, and optimize transportation efficiency through advanced data analytics and real-time information.

Due to a number of important considerations, the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) sub segment of the Smart Roads Market is expanding quickly. In order to increase road safety, lessen congestion, and improve traffic management, intelligent traffic systems (ITS) integrate cutting-edge communication, control, and information processing technology with transportation infrastructure and vehicles. Adoption of ITS is mostly driven by the rising need for effective traffic solutions in metropolitan areas, which is fueled by rising vehicle and people densities. To improve traffic flow, shorten travel times, and cut emissions, governments and municipalities around the world are making significant investments in ITS. Sophisticated ITS frameworks are also required by the increasing number of connected and autonomous cars in order to provide smooth communication between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I) and between vehicles (V2V). The capabilities of ITS are being further enhanced by technological breakthroughs in data analytics, sensors, and IoT devices, which makes it an essential part of contemporary smart road initiatives. Because of this meeting of objectives and the quick improvement of technology, ITS is a crucial and expanding sub segment of the Smart Roads market.

Based on the report, the End User segment is segmented into Urban Roads, Highways & Freeways, and Rural Roads & Others. The Highways & Freeways segment is estimated to grow at a higher growth rate in the Smart Roads Market due to the increasing need for efficient traffic management and enhanced safety on high-capacity roadways.

The market for Smart Roads is seeing significant expansion in the Highways & Freeways sub-segment because of the pressing need for improved safety and effective traffic control on important thoroughfares. Road congestion, accidents, and maintenance issues are common on highways and freeways due to the increased number of vehicles and urbanization. To solve these problems, a lot of work is being done on smart road technologies like real-time data analytics, automatic incident detection, and intelligent traffic management systems. These technologies facilitate better emergency response times, less traffic, and optimized traffic flow. With the intention of enhancing overall travel efficiency and safety, governments and transportation authorities are making significant investments in modernizing the highway and freeway infrastructure in order to incorporate these clever solutions. Furthermore, in order to ensure that smart technologies can support the seamless operation of sophisticated vehicular systems, the drive towards connected and autonomous vehicles is hastening the deployment of these technologies on freeways and roads.

North America Region is dominating the Smart Roads Market due to its advanced infrastructure and substantial investments in smart technologies, while APAC is the fastest-growing region due to rapid urbanization and increasing government initiatives for smart city projects.

Because of its sophisticated infrastructure, significant expenditures in smart technologies, and robust government efforts promoting intelligent transportation systems, North America leads the world market for Smart Roads. The adoption of new solutions and the region's well-established tech ecosystem make it easier to integrate smart road technology including automated tolling systems, connected vehicle infrastructure, and real-time traffic management. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing the fastest rate of growth in the market as a result of substantial infrastructural development, fast urbanization, and growing government attention to smart city initiatives. The developing countries of Asia-Pacific, especially China and India, are making significant investments to update their transportation systems with smart technologies in an effort to improve road safety and alleviate the region's increasing traffic problems. APAC's rapid growth in the smart roads market is being driven by a combination of factors such as growing economic prosperity, technology advancements, and government policies that are supportive. These factors will position APAC as a significant growth region in the years to come.


Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Smart Roads Market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Technology
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication
• Traffic Management Systems
• Smart Lighting Systems
• Others

By Component
• Hardware
• Software
• Services

By Application
• Traffic Management
• Public Transportation
• Road Safety and Incident Management
• Others

By End User
• Urban Roads
• Highways & Freeways
• Rural Roads
• Others


The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.


Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Smart Roads industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.