National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued new directives aimed at ensuring high-quality installation of Metal Beam Crash Barriers (MBCBs) on the country’s national highways. These guidelines come as part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and improve infrastructure quality across India.
In a statement released on December 18, 2024, NHAI outlined the specific responsibilities of contractors and concessionaires involved in the installation of crash barriers along national highways. The new directives mandate that the materials used for the barriers must match the specifications detailed in the relevant crash test reports. Furthermore, the installation process must strictly follow the methodology provided by the manufacturer to guarantee the barriers function as intended.
Additionally, contractors and concessionaires are required to obtain a certificate from the manufacturer confirming that the installed crash barriers adhere to the prescribed design, standards, and specifications. This certification ensures that the materials and installation methods meet safety and quality standards. Another critical requirement emphasized by NHAI is the ground layer compaction at the installation site. Contractors are instructed to ensure that the ground beneath the barriers is sufficiently compacted to support their stability and effectiveness. These guidelines are expected to increase the accountability of contractors and concessionaires in delivering quality projects and, more importantly, to improve the safety of highway users. With the growing number of accidents on national highways, the NHAI’s focus on improving safety infrastructure is seen as a key step in reducing road fatalities and enhancing public trust in the country’s transportation network.
