India Adopts Precast Highway Construction to Increase Speed, Reduce Pollution and Traffic
India has embarked on a transformative journey for its national highway infrastructure, mandating the use of precast concrete for all projects exceeding ₹300 crore. This pivotal decision aims to significantly enhance the quality, speed, and efficiency of road construction. By shifting towards factory-made components, the policy is set to drastically reduce on-site pollution, minimise traffic disruptions, and accelerate the development of sustainable, eco-friendly urban and regional connectivity.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has finalised its ‘National Highways Precast Concrete Policy’, signalling a strategic shift from traditional on-site construction methods. Unlike conventional pouring and curing, precast concrete slabs are manufactured in controlled environments, either in dedicated factories or at casting yards near the highway sites. This approach inherently mitigates environmental concerns such as dust and noise pollution, which are common in conventional construction, particularly within urban and built-up areas. The policy’s focus on larger projects ensures that the benefits of this advanced technology are leveraged where they can have the most significant impact on national infrastructure.
Under the new guidelines, contract agreements for highway projects will explicitly detail the drawings, specifications, and standards for each precast element, ensuring rigorous quality control at every stage. Contractors will be required to demonstrate their planned usage of precast components, including estimated quantities and their percentage of the total project. For precast components manufactured by third-party factories, approval from an independent engineer will be mandatory, adding another layer of oversight. While initially targeting non-critical components such as box culverts, storm water drains, footpaths, fencing, crash barriers, kerbs, channels, and pedestrian railings, this phased implementation allows for a controlled transition and widespread adoption.
While the adoption of precast technology may entail higher initial costs, particularly for setting up dedicated casting yards and for the lifting, shifting, and transportation of components, these expenses are anticipated to be offset by substantial savings. Reduced on-site concrete transportation, minimised finishing work, and inherently superior product quality contribute to overall cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of reusable moulds for standard items like kerbs, drains, and railings will significantly reduce per-unit costs over multiple uses, making the technology more economically viable in the long run. This approach aligns with sustainable resource management, reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles.
The strategic shift to precast construction is also expected to make project timelines more predictable and reduce on-site challenges, fostering stronger coordination across the entire construction process. This predictability is vital for urban planning, allowing cities to better manage traffic, minimise commuter delays, and reduce vehicular emissions from idling vehicles, thereby contributing to a zero net carbon future. By embracing this advanced construction methodology, India is not only enhancing its infrastructure but also laying the groundwork for more efficient, environmentally conscious, and equitable urban development, ensuring that its growth trajectory is aligned with global sustainability goals.
