The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a uniform system for independently checking the designs and drawings of major bridges and other critical structures under its projects. The policy, aimed at strengthening safety, durability and quality assurance, will take effect on December 1.

The framework applies to all new Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) national highway projects. It also covers projects where design verification or proof checking has not yet started.

Empanelled Indian Institutes of Technology, government technical institutions and experienced technical firms with expertise in bridge engineering and hydraulic studies will independently examine identified structures. The checks are intended to identify design-related issues at an early stage and ensure compliance with applicable Indian Roads Congress codes, technical specifications and contractual requirements.

The policy covers major bridges and viaducts, including major river bridges with a design discharge of at least 3,000 cubic metres per second, as well as bridges or structures with an individual effective span of at least 40 m. NHAI may also identify other special, complex or critical structures for coverage. The verification will include structural calculations, analysis and drawings, along with hydrological and hydraulic studies where relevant. These studies will assess water flow, flood levels, the adequacy of openings and the safety of foundations against riverbed erosion.

Under the process, the contractor or concessionaire will submit designs and drawings for review or approval under the contract. NHAI will then propose three institutions or firms from its empanelled list, from which one or more will be selected according to project requirements. The selected entity will submit observations and recommendations, after which the contractor or concessionaire will make necessary changes. NHAI will subsequently review or approve the designs under the applicable contractual provisions. Projects where design verification has already been completed will generally be exempt, although additional checks may be undertaken for major or complex structures.