NHAI orders audits, inspections for new national highways inaugurated by PM Modi

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced new directives requiring audits and inspections for all newly inaugurated national highways, particularly those launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The updated guidelines, issued on Friday, mandate independent audits for major projects and intensified post-opening monitoring. This follows a series of incidents on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which developed structural issues such as potholes, cracks, and a cave-in after heavy rainfall in April. The NHAI has revised its protocols based on lessons learned from recent infrastructure events led by Modi, aiming to enhance quality, safety, and event management standards. The new rules apply to greenfield expressways, high-speed corridors, specialized projects, and initiatives with a total capital cost exceeding ₹2,500 crore. These projects must undergo independent audits by reputable third-party entities, including prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). Audits will assess factors such as traffic impact, drainage systems, and long-term durability. Additionally, the NHAI has instructed its media teams to actively monitor public reports and respond promptly to any content deemed “factually incorrect or politically motivated.” For newly opened highways, the NHAI has introduced a structured inspection regime. Contractor or concessionaire representatives and supervision consultants will conduct joint inspections weekly for the first three months and biweekly thereafter. Inspections will focus on pavement quality, drainage efficiency, safety installations, and embankment stability. Route patrol vehicles will also traverse the entire length of each highway regularly, identifying defects or signs of potential deterioration. Any identified issues will be geo-tagged and immediately reported to the relevant stakeholders for corrective action. The guidelines also outline specific arrangements for large-scale Prime Ministerial events, which can attract up to 100,000 attendees. These include ensuring sufficient venue capacity, parking facilities, transportation links, security protocols, and emergency preparedness for adverse weather conditions. The NHAI has further recommended limiting the number of officials present at such functions to no more than 500, and that all logistical preparations be finalized at least 24 hours prior to the event. The directive marks a shift toward stricter oversight following the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway incident, which sparked public concern over infrastructure quality. The highway, officially opened in April, faced multiple challenges shortly after its launch, including sinkholes and structural instability due to monsoon rains. The NHAI's response includes both immediate corrective actions and long-term preventive measures aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of future projects. The updated policy circular replaces an earlier guideline issued in October 2025, indicating a continuous refinement of operational procedures. The NHAI has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, urging collaboration between contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with the new standards. As these measures take effect, the authority expects enhanced performance and reduced risk of similar incidents on upcoming infrastructure projects.