The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced new rules aimed at improving safety measures for important structures such as bridges and tunnels. Starting December 1, all designs and drawings must be independently checked by approved Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), government technical schools, or well-known firms. This step is taken to ensure that these structures are safe and built to last.
Recently, the government revealed that 471 bridges on national highways are experiencing structural issues. While repairs have been completed on 159 of these bridges, work on 312 remaining ones is expected to finish by December 2028.
The new rules require independent reviews for all NHAI projects where design work has not yet started by the deadline. The NHAI emphasized that examining key structures in detail, including studying water flow and other related factors, is crucial for ensuring their safety, strength, and compliance with established Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards.
Under the updated guidelines, contractors must hire an independent proof-checking consultant from a list provided by NHAI. This consultant will go through design calculations, drawings, and any relevant assessments concerning water management before final designs are approved.
Additionally, the new policy introduces a standardized checklist that covers various aspects of construction, including soil studies, foundation design, and safety against earthquakes. Special checklists will be used for significant bridges and other essential structures.
Furthermore, the costs for this independent proof-checking will be the responsibility of the contractors. They are expected to complete the review process on time, as delays won’t necessarily give them the right to ask for more time or compensation from NHAI.
The circular also notes that current rules for proof consultants will still be in effect for structures not included in these new guidelines.
