To enhance road safety and ensure superior construction quality on National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated strict adherence to guidelines for installing Metal Beam Crash Barriers (MBCBs). Contractors must now comply with standards set by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for traffic safety barriers.

Contractors must follow certified procedures for installation

NHAI has directed contractors and concessionaires to use materials for crash barriers that match the specifications outlined in the crash test reports. Installation must strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s methodology. Contractors are required to obtain a certificate from the manufacturer verifying that the installed crash barrier meets prescribed designs, standards, and specifications. Additionally, proper ground compaction at project sites must be ensured to maintain installation integrity.

Manufacturers to mark products with essential details 

Crash barrier manufacturers are now obligated to emboss critical details such as brand name, lot or batch number, grade of steel, and other relevant information on each MBCB component. Furthermore, manufacturers must include a QR code on the barriers, enabling easy access to the installation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and guidelines directly at the project site.

Engineers to verify compliance with technical standards 

Authority Engineers and Independent Engineers supervising the projects must verify that all technical specifications of the crash barriers align with the standards defined in the crash test report. This added oversight ensures that the final installation meets safety and design benchmarks effectively. By implementing these measures, NHAI aims to uphold the highest standards in highway construction. These guidelines not only increase accountability for contractors and concessionaires but also significantly enhance the safety of highway users across India.