An innovative glow-in-the-dark highway project improves safety, but the high cost of the paint has sparked resistance. The solution is 20 times more expensive than traditional alternatives, making it difficult to expand. A trade-off between innovation and public budget puts the project’s future at risk.
Imagine driving through a estrada where the markings glow in the dark, eliminating the need for lighting poles.
It may seem like something out of science fiction, but this technology is already a reality in Malaysia. However, one detail means that this advancement is far from being widely adopted: the exorbitant cost.
What prevents Brazil and other countries from adopting such an innovative solution?
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In 2023, Malaysia implemented a pilot project that replaced conventional reflective studs with a photoluminescent paint that glows in the dark, providing greater safety for drivers at night.
The innovation was applied to a 245-meter stretch in the Hulu Langat region, serving a road that previously lacked public lighting.
Despite the positive reception from drivers, the high cost of this technology has generated debates about its viability, both in Malaysia and in other countries.
How photoluminescent paint works
According to the newspaper The Straits Times, photoluminescent paint works by absorbing light during the day and emitting glow at night.
This feature ensures continuous visibility for drivers, even in adverse conditions such as rain or fog.
In addition to improving safety, the technology has the potential to reduce electricity costs, as it eliminates the need for public lighting in isolated locations.
In Malaysia, this paint has been seen as a particularly effective solution for rural areas where lighting infrastructure is non-existent or limited.
Public Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted that the continuous shine of the paint is a promising alternative to ensure safety in remote regions.
The high cost and its impacts
However, the biggest barrier to adopting photoluminescent paint is its cost. According to information from the Paultan portal, the price of this technology is 20 times higher than that of conventional paint.
While a square meter of traditional paint costs around 40 Malaysian ringgits (US$53,72), the photoluminescent version costs a whopping 749 Malaysian ringgits (US$1.006) per square meter.
Ahmad Maslan, Malaysia's deputy minister of public works, said that despite the trials and popular support, the high cost made expanding the project unfeasible:
“The cost is too high, so we probably won’t continue with the glow-in-the-dark tracks. We did some testing, but it didn’t satisfy the ministry’s experts.”"he said.
This statement reflects the dilemma faced by public managers around the world: to what extent is it possible to invest in innovation without compromising the public budget?
Would the idea work in Brazil?
Although Brazil faces similar challenges with regard to road safety and lack of lighting in rural areas, implementing this technology would be even more complicated.
With an already limited budget for infrastructure, the high cost of photoluminescent paint would be a significant hurdle.
However, the concept of glow-in-the-dark roads has already sparked the interest of Brazilian experts.
Some highways in the country use similar technologies, such as reflective studs and more advanced paint, but none of them reach the level of sophistication of the paint used in Malaysia.
Still, experts point out that, in a future where the costs of these technologies are reduced, their adoption in Brazil could be an alternative to improve road safety, especially in remote locations.
Innovation vs. Budget: What’s the Limit?
Malaysia’s experience opens the door to a global discussion on how to balance innovation and economic sustainability.
Despite its benefits, photoluminescent paint has not yet been able to justify the investment required for its large-scale application.
On the other hand, it is important to remember that the high initial cost of many innovative technologies tends to reduce over time, as new production methods are developed and demand increases.
In Brazil, for example, the adoption of photoluminescent technologies could bring benefits not only to roads, but also to other sectors, such as urban signage and public safety.
However, viability depends on effective public policies and a commitment to innovation.
Is it worth paying more for road safety?
Malaysia's glow-in-the-dark highway is a fascinating example of how technology can transform public infrastructure.
However, the high cost of photoluminescent paint still prevents its expansion, raising doubts about its economic viability.
And you, do you think investing 20 times more in road safety is a wise decision? Leave your opinion in the comments and join the debate about the future of our roads!