In a move aimed at enhancing the safety, quality and durability of National Highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a uniform mechanism for the independent verification of designs and drawings of major bridges and other critical structures.
Under the new policy, designs of identified critical structures will be independently reviewed by empaneled Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), reputed government technical institutions and experienced engineering firms with expertise in bridge engineering and hydraulic studies.
The initiative intends to strengthen quality assurance, particularly for large and complex structures, by identifying potential design-related issues early and ensuring compliance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, technical specifications and contractual requirements.
The policy will cover major bridges and viaducts, including river bridges with a design discharge of 3,000 cubic meters per second or more, as well as structures with an individual effective span of 40 meters or above. Other special and complex structures identified by NHAI will also fall within its ambit.
Independent verification will include scrutiny of structural design calculations, structural analysis and design drawings. Where necessary, reviewers will also examine hydrological and hydraulic studies to assess factors such as water flow, flood levels, adequacy of waterway openings and foundation safety against river-bed erosion.
Under the revised process, contractors or concessionaires will first submit designs and drawings for review or approval. NHAI will then propose three institutions or firms from its empaneled list, from which one or more agencies will be selected to conduct an independent assessment. Their observations and recommendations will incorporate their observations and recommendations before the final review or approval by NHAI, as per contractual provisions.
The policy will come into effect on December 1, 2026, and will apply to all new EPC, HAM and BOT highway projects, along with ongoing projects where design verification has not yet begun. While completed design verifications will generally remain unaffected, NHAI may order additional checks for major bridges and other complex or critical structures when required.
Through the new framework, NHAI aims to establish a robust and consistent quality-assurance system to support the development of safer, stronger and more resilient National Highway infrastructure across the country.
