Politics · India Bureau
NHAI tightens safety oversight with independent design verification mandate
India's National Highways Authority will require independent verification of complex highway infrastructure designs starting December 1, enlisting premier technical institutions to bolster structural safety standards across bridges, tunnels and viaducts.
LSN India ·
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a new policy requiring independent proof-checking of designs and technical drawings for complex highway structures. The measure, effective from December 1, aims to strengthen quality assurance and safety protocols across the national highway network.
Under the directive, NHAI has empanelled Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), government technical institutions and established engineering firms to conduct independent verification of designs and drawings. The third-party review process will apply specifically to high-risk infrastructure components including bridges, viaducts, tunnels and other structurally complex elements.
The policy represents a significant enhancement to NHAI's quality control framework, introducing an additional layer of technical scrutiny before construction commences. By mandating peer review from recognized technical institutions, the authority seeks to identify design deficiencies early and mitigate structural risks.
Official sources indicate the initiative forms part of broader efforts to elevate safety standards and reduce construction-related incidents on national highways. The involvement of IITs and government technical bodies is expected to bring specialized expertise and independent oversight to major infrastructure projects across the network.