+
MoRTH to Frame IRC Norms for New-Age Machines in Highway Work
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

MoRTH to Frame IRC Norms for New-Age Machines in Highway Work

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to formally adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway projects, aiming to accelerate execution and ensure timely completion. In line with this, MoRTH announced that the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) will develop new guidelines based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires actively involved in these projects.

So far, MoRTH has sanctioned at least 16 highway projects where innovative construction equipment will be deployed. Additionally, the ministry is awaiting Cabinet approval for 10 more projects planned under the AIMC initiative.

“Over the past decade, the expansion of India’s national highway network—including Greenfield and Brownfield corridors—has involved high embankments and extensive earthworks. This necessitates advanced technologies like AIMC to ensure efficiency and quality,” officials stated.

The ministry’s decision follows the successful evaluation of AIMC technologies during a pilot run on the Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway. GPS-enabled motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers were used during the project, demonstrating improved outcomes. Stakeholder feedback and global best practices also informed the ministry’s decision.

To support AIMC deployment, MoRTH is also coordinating with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to facilitate necessary radio frequency licenses for contractors and concessionaires using such equipment.

The list of AIMC-sanctioned projects includes:

  • Western Bypass, Gwalior (29 km)
  • 6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 km)
  • Deoghar Bypass (49 km)
  • Shillong–Silchar Corridor (167 km)
  • Vrindavan Bypass (15 km)
  • Patna–Arrah–Sasaram Highway in Bihar (125 km)

Projects currently submitted for Cabinet approval include:

  • Satellite Township Ring Road (STRR), Bengaluru, Karnataka (144 km)
  • Badvel–Nellore Corridor, Andhra Pradesh (108 km)
  • 4-lane Sirhind–Sehna section of NH-205AG, Punjab (107 km)
  • Nashik–Ahmednagar–Solapur–Akkalkot segment of the Surat–Chennai Expressway (374 km)

In December, MoRTH invited feedback from state PWDs, road construction agencies, and other stakeholders on the adoption of AIMC to shape the forthcoming IRC guidelines.

The ministry expects that AIMC will bring significant benefits—enhanced adherence to design specifications, better ride quality, longer durability, reduced material wastage, increased productivity, real-time documentation, improved transparency, and lower human intervention.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to formally adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway projects, aiming to accelerate execution and ensure timely completion. In line with this, MoRTH announced that the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) will develop new guidelines based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires actively involved in these projects.So far, MoRTH has sanctioned at least 16 highway projects where innovative construction equipment will be deployed. Additionally, the ministry is awaiting Cabinet approval for 10 more projects planned under the AIMC initiative.“Over the past decade, the expansion of India’s national highway network—including Greenfield and Brownfield corridors—has involved high embankments and extensive earthworks. This necessitates advanced technologies like AIMC to ensure efficiency and quality,” officials stated.The ministry’s decision follows the successful evaluation of AIMC technologies during a pilot run on the Lucknow–Kanpur Expressway. GPS-enabled motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers were used during the project, demonstrating improved outcomes. Stakeholder feedback and global best practices also informed the ministry’s decision.To support AIMC deployment, MoRTH is also coordinating with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to facilitate necessary radio frequency licenses for contractors and concessionaires using such equipment.The list of AIMC-sanctioned projects includes:Western Bypass, Gwalior (29 km)6-lane Greenfield Ludhiana Bypass (25 km)Deoghar Bypass (49 km)Shillong–Silchar Corridor (167 km)Vrindavan Bypass (15 km)Patna–Arrah–Sasaram Highway in Bihar (125 km)Projects currently submitted for Cabinet approval include:Satellite Township Ring Road (STRR), Bengaluru, Karnataka (144 km)Badvel–Nellore Corridor, Andhra Pradesh (108 km)4-lane Sirhind–Sehna section of NH-205AG, Punjab (107 km)Nashik–Ahmednagar–Solapur–Akkalkot segment of the Surat–Chennai Expressway (374 km)In December, MoRTH invited feedback from state PWDs, road construction agencies, and other stakeholders on the adoption of AIMC to shape the forthcoming IRC guidelines.The ministry expects that AIMC will bring significant benefits—enhanced adherence to design specifications, better ride quality, longer durability, reduced material wastage, increased productivity, real-time documentation, improved transparency, and lower human intervention.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Continental Expands Assistive ‘OnBoard’ Tech to 100+ BMTC Buses

Continental India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has expanded its smart assistive mobility solution ‘OnBoard’ across more than 100 BMTC buses in Bengaluru. Initially piloted on 25 buses, the solution is now set to be installed in 500 buses by year-end.The expansion was officially announced at the BMTC Central Office during a press conference attended by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Karnataka.‘OnBoard’ is a bus-mounted assistive technology designed t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Himadri PAT Rises 48% in Q1 Amid Global Battery Push

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd reported its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 234 crore and PAT of Rs 183 crore for Q1 FY26, with profitability up 48% YoY. Revenue stood at Rs 1,100 crore.CMD Anurag Choudhary attributed the gains to operational efficiencies, improved yields, and focus on high-value battery materials. Himadri also revived Birla Tyres with a new brand identity and plans a multi-platform marketing campaign.The firm signed a licensing deal with Australia’s Sicona for SiCx® anode tech, enabling localisation and commercialisation in India. Himadri also invested USD 4.43 millio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Covestro Develops Fire-Safe Foam for EV Battery Safety

Covestro has introduced Baysafe® BEF, a new flame-retardant polyurethane foam designed to enhance battery safety in EVs and energy storage systems. The foam minimises thermal propagation between cells, reducing fire risk.The launch aligns with China’s GB 38031-2025 battery regulation, effective from July 2026, which sets stringent safety standards. "This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety," said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Covestro.The foam's lightweight structure and fire resistance meet the needs of g..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?