Regulations need to change to improve NH infra standard

Global consulting firm PwC has released a report highlighting the need for regulatory changes in the design of national highways to reduce road fatalities. The report emphasizes the importance of improving the quality of infrastructure design in this effort.According to the PwC report, the current practice of highway design should undergo regulatory reform, requiring highway engineers to obtain licenses to practice and be held accountable for designs that deviate from prescribed standards. The report argues that mandating licensing will raise the bar for professionalism, expertise, ethics, and accountability in the field while safeguarding the integrity of the highway network.Despite technological advancements in highway design worldwide, India has yet to fully embrace these innovations. Highway design practices in the country still rely on paper-based plans. The report underscores the necessity of transitioning to 3D corridor design and simulation models, which involve creating digital representations of highway corridors. Engineers can use these 3D models to simulate access ramps, interchanges, and intersections, optimizing highway design and construction and identifying potential conflict points.In summary, PwC's report underscores the urgency of regulatory changes and technological advancements in highway design to enhance safety and efficiency on India's national highways.