The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a uniform system for independent checking of designs and drawings of major bridges and critical structures on national highway projects to strengthen structural safety, durability, and quality assurance. This policy requires that designs of identified critical structures be independently verified by empanelled Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), reputed government technical institutions, and experienced technical firms with expertise in bridge engineering and hydraulic studies.
The policy specifically covers major bridges and viaducts, including major river bridges with a design discharge of 3,000 cubic metres per second or more, and structures or bridges having an individual effective span of 40 metres or more. Additionally, other special or complex structures identified by NHAI will be subject to this verification process. The independent checking will encompass structural design calculations, structural analysis, design drawings, and where applicable, hydrological and hydraulic studies to assess water flow, flood levels, adequacy of water openings, and foundation safety against river-bed erosion.
Under the new procedure, contractors or concessionaires must submit designs and drawings for review or approval as per contract requirements. NHAI will propose three institutions or firms from its empanelled list, and based on project requirements, one or more will be selected to conduct independent verification. The selected institution will examine the design and submit observations and recommendations, which the contractor must consider and implement necessary changes before NHAI grants final approval according to contractual provisions.
The policy becomes effective from December 1, 2026, and applies to all new Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) National Highway projects, as well as projects where design verification or proof checking has not yet commenced. It generally excludes projects where design verification has already been completed, though additional independent verification may be undertaken for major bridges and complex structures. This initiative establishes a consistent quality-assurance mechanism aimed at developing safer and stronger national highway infrastructure across India.