West Coast Expressway (WCE) has taken a major step forward in modernising its highway management while demonstrating how technology and data can reshape the future of expressway operations by enabling predictive, real-time and cost-effective monitoring systems.
WCE has adopted IOroad, a pavement monitoring and management system developed by Asia Mobiliti, to cover critical sections of the 233km expressway. IOroad leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning to enhance road safety, optimise maintenance operations and improve the driving experience for motorists.
According to Asia Mobiliti, the IOroad system is a drive-by sensing solution that provides real-time insights into road pavement conditions.
A data-logging device is installed on WCE service and patrol vehicles, with built-in sensors that capture high-precision vibration data as they travel along the highway during their daily routines. Using this data, IOroad generates an International Roughness Index (IRI) value, which is recognised as a global standard for measuring road quality.
Typically, highway maintenance work is triggered by visual inspections or customer complaints. With IOroad, WCE now has access to a digital twin of its road surface conditions and predictive analytics for maintenance planning. With the vibration data collected, WCE can identify potential issues early and carry out preventive repairs before road deterioration worsens.
The system also helps optimise maintenance operations by allowing better resource allocation and planning based on accurate, continuous data rather than periodic and subjective surveys. As a result, the solution is expected to reduce long-term maintenance costs, minimise traffic disruptions and enhance safety for motorists.
Asia Mobiliti CEO and Co-founder Ramachandran Muniandy said, “We are thrilled to partner with West Coast Expressway to bring our innovative IOroad system to Malaysia’s vital transportation infrastructure.”
He added, “This deployment marks a significant step forward in leveraging cutting-edge IoT and machine learning to maintain safer roads with smarter operations. Our proprietary technology, which was spawned from our railway track defects monitoring system, will enable WCE to transition from traditional reactive maintenance to a highly proactive and predictive approach, ultimately enhancing the travel experience for all users.”
Commenting on the deployment, WCE CEO Lyndon Alfred Felix said “We are proud to be the first expressway operator in Malaysia to adopt IOroad. This collaboration with Asia Mobiliti brings cutting-edge technology to our operations, strengthening our ability to manage road assets effectively while delivering better value and safety to our users. It also aligns with our commitment to continuous innovation and long-term sustainability.”
