Auto

NHAI to Empanel IITs and Top Technical Institutions for Independent Proof Checking of Major Bridge Designs

NHAI will empanel IITs and other leading technical institutions for independent proof checking of major bridge designs to strengthen safety, quality and long-term durability of National Highway infrastructure.

Ankita Sharma

July 3, 2026

NHAI stated that the framework will be implemented uniformly across National Highway projects undertaken through various modes of construction.

New Delhi : In a major step towards improving the safety, quality and durability of India’s National Highway infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to empanel Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other reputed technical institutions for independent proof checking of hydraulic studies and major bridge designs across upcoming National Highway projects.

The initiative aims to ensure that major bridges, designed to remain operational for 100 years or more, undergo a comprehensive, independent technical review before construction begins. By introducing an additional layer of expert scrutiny, NHAI seeks to strengthen the structural integrity and long-term performance of critical bridge infrastructure.

Around 12 IITs, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee and IIT Kharagpur, along with several other premier engineering institutions, have expressed their willingness to collaborate with NHAI under this initiative.

Nationwide quality assurance framework

The empanelment of these institutions will help NHAI establish a nationwide institutional framework for independent design verification of major bridge projects. The move is expected to improve quality assurance standards and ensure consistency in bridge design and execution across the country.

Under the framework, technical institutions will independently examine several critical aspects of bridge planning and construction, including:

Structural design calculations
Engineering drawings
Construction methodologies
Geotechnical investigations
Hydraulic studies

This independent proof-checking process is intended to identify potential design issues at an early stage, reducing construction risks and improving the overall reliability of bridge infrastructure.

Applicable across all project delivery models

NHAI stated that the framework will be implemented uniformly across National Highway projects undertaken through various construction modes. This will establish a standardised quality assurance mechanism irrespective of the project execution model, ensuring consistent engineering standards across the highway network.

Focus on safer and future-ready infrastructure

The initiative is expected to significantly improve structural safety, enhance design reliability and minimise long-term operational risks associated with major bridge projects.

By involving India’s leading technical institutions in the design review process, NHAI aims to adopt globally benchmarked engineering practices and strengthen institutional oversight for critical infrastructure projects. The move aligns with the authority’s broader vision of developing a high-quality, resilient and future-ready National Highway network capable of supporting India’s growing transportation needs.