MoRTH Mandates Precast Use in NH Projects Over ₹300 Crore
In a move aimed at accelerating construction timelines and aligning with India’s green infrastructure vision, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated the compulsory use of precast components in all National Highway projects having civil construction costs exceeding ₹300 crore. The directive will come into effect for all projects where bids are received 90 days after the date of issuance of the circular.
According to the notification, the mandatory adoption of precast technology applies to a wide range of non-structural and structural elements including box culverts, stormwater drains, utility ducts, crash barriers, footpaths, kerbs, boundary walls, signages, and fencing. Precast components may either be factory-produced or cast at the contractor’s own precast yard, provided quality certification is ensured in accordance with prescribed norms.
The ministry has emphasized that detailed project reports (DPRs) and bid documents must incorporate the cost of precast components based on standard CPWD or DSR rates and adopt approved rate analysis. Moreover, design and specifications of these elements must strictly adhere to relevant Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes. In areas where these codes are silent, international codes may be referred to, subject to sound engineering judgment and necessary approvals.
To ensure quality, the circular stipulates robust quality assurance and control protocols. These include the requirement for the contractor or manufacturer to hold ISO certifications — ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. Materials testing must be conducted in NABL-accredited laboratories and each precast element should carry a barcode label for traceability. As-built and as-designed drawings must also be uploaded to the NHAI Data Lake for digital recordkeeping and monitoring.
The ministry clarified that precast elements should not be used where it is technically unsuitable due to site-specific constraints. However, the intent is to promote the widespread adoption of precast construction technology across the National Highway development ecosystem.
The policy is part of a broader effort to enhance construction efficiency, improve quality, reduce construction time, and contribute to India’s Net-Zero goals through resource optimization and reduced emissions. It also aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Gati Shakti for faster infrastructure rollout through modern and integrated planning.
With this policy coming into force, all stakeholders — including DPR consultants, authority engineers, contractors, and developers — will be required to comply with the new mandate, thereby transforming the way highway infrastructure is delivered across the country.
For detailed information, you may refer to the official circular here: Click to View Circular
