The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced on 15 October 2026 a new policy to independently verify the designs of major bridges and critical highway structures. Starting 1 December 2026, designs for new EPC, HAM, and BOT projects will be reviewed by empanelled IITs, government technical institutions, or expert firms to ensure safety and quality. This applies to river bridges with a design discharge of 3,000 cubic metres per second or more, and bridges with an effective span of 40 metres or more. Contractors must incorporate the observations from these independent reviews before NHAI gives final approval.
Key points
- Effective from 1 December 2026 for new EPC, HAM, and BOT projects.
- Covers river bridges with design discharge ≥ 3,000 cubic metres per second.
- Covers bridges with an individual effective span of 40 metres or more.
- Verification conducted by empanelled IITs, government technical institutions, or expert firms.
- Includes structural calculations, analysis, drawings, and hydraulic studies.
When it applies
- policy for independent checking of designs
Who it affects
- contractors and concessionaires of EPC, HAM, and BOT projects