SRINAGAR: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a uniform mechanism for independent verification of designs and drawings of major bridges, viaducts and other critical structures on National Highway projects to strengthen structural safety and improve construction quality.
The policy will come into effect on December 1, 2026, and apply to all new Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) National Highway projects. It will also cover eligible ongoing projects in which design verification or proof-checking has not yet begun.
Under the new mechanism, designs will be examined independently by empanelled Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), reputed government technical institutions and experienced technical firms.
The verification will cover structural design calculations, engineering analysis and drawings, as well as hydrological and hydraulic studies wherever applicable. The exercise is intended to identify potential design deficiencies at an early stage and ensure compliance with applicable Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes, technical specifications and contractual requirements.
The policy covers major river bridges with a design discharge of at least 3,000 cubic metres per second, structures with an individual effective span of 40 metres or more, and other special or complex structures identified by NHAI.
Following independent verification, necessary modifications to designs will be considered before their review or approval by NHAI, in accordance with the applicable contractual provisions.
The mechanism is aimed at strengthening quality assurance and improving the durability and safety of critical structures across National Highway projects.
