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NHAI Introduces QR Code Sign Boards and Horizontal Pavement Signs
In a significant step towards improving road safety, transparency, and user convenience, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a policy circular bearing reference no. 12.41/2025 dated September 23, 2025 (the “Circular”).
This initiative, aligned with the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Code-67-2022 and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines (December 24, 2024), seeks to improve road safety, transparency, and user convenience by providing real-time, location-specific information to commuters.
One of the most noteworthy features of the Circular is the introduction of Project Information Boards embedded with QR codes. These codes, compliant with ISO/IEC 18004 standards, will be placed at strategic locations such as toll plazas, rest areas, truck lay-byes, and at designated intervals along highway stretches.
Upon scanning, users will gain access to critical information, including:
- Highway name, number, chainage, and project length.
- Construction and maintenance timelines.
- Contact details of key stakeholders such as the Highway Patrol, Toll Manager, Project Manager, and NHAI Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
- Emergency helplines (including toll-free 1033).
- Locations of nearby hospitals, police stations, petrol pumps, rest areas, vehicle service stations, and e-charging facilities.
This initiative is designed not only to enhance road safety but also to empower commuters with vital information at their fingertips.
The Circular mandates that each QR code must remain functional for at least ten years or the operational life of the board. If the QR code becomes unreadable due to fading, damage or vandalism, the entire board must be replaced within 30 days of detection. This emphasis on durability and accountability ensures long-term reliability for users.
Complementing the QR boards, Horizontal Sign using Cold-Applied Plastics will be placed across lanes to mark the jurisdiction of NHAI highways. These markings will be installed at critical points, including:
At the start and end of highway sections.
At the location of reassurance sign or at 20 km intervals, whichever is later.
By providing clear visual indicators, these Horizontal Signs will help road users identify the boundaries of NHAI-managed stretches, enhancing both navigation and enforcement.
The responsibility for preparing details for both the QR code sign boards and the Horizontal Sign with Cold Applied Plastics will rest with the Independent Engineer/Authority Engineer (IE/AE), while the actual procurement and installation will be undertaken by the contractor or concessionaire with the approval of the Project Director.
Importantly, both the QR code sign board as well as the Horizontal Sign with Cold Applied Plastics must confirm to the NHAI Policy Circular bearing Reference no. 12.38/2025 dated March 19, 2025, which provided the budgetary rates for traffic signs, pavement markings, road safety items and short-term measures on black spots.
Budgetary unit rates have been specified for different zones, ensuring uniformity and cost-efficiency. Importantly, the financial burden of installation will be borne by NHAI, pursuant to its delegated financial powers under Policy Circular bearing Reference no. 12.33/2023 dated June 6, 2023.
The introduction of QR code-based project information boards and horizontal pavement signs marks a forward-looking initiative by NHAI. By integrating technology into infrastructure, NHAI is not only enhancing road safety but also fostering greater transparency and user empowerment. These reforms reflect NHAI’s broader commitment to making Indian highways safer, smarter, and more user-friendly.
