NHAI Mandates Quality Assurance Plan for Precast Concrete Products

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), vide Policy Circular No. 15.12/2026 dated March 30, 2026, has mandated the implementation of a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for precast concrete products used in national highway projects. Issued pursuant to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ policy promoting precast construction in highway infrastructure, the measure establishes a structured quality assurance framework governing the manufacturing, testing and deployment of such components in NHAI projects.

The framework seeks to address variations in manufacturing practices and quality management systems by introducing a uniform and process-driven quality assurance mechanism across projects.

The QAP framework shall apply all NHAI projects involving precast concrete components and extends across the entire lifecycle of such products, including design and engineering, raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, curing, storage, transportation, handling and installation, thereby embedding stage-wise quality monitoring throughout the production and execution process.

The QAP framework also prescribes requirements for precast concrete manufacturing facilities, including dedicated production plants equipped with mechanised batching systems, calibrated equipment, casting beds, mould systems and controlled curing arrangements, along with organised storage and stacking facilities designed to prevent deformation or damage to precast elements.

A structured quality control and testing regime forms a central element of the framework, requiring the establishment of in-house quality control laboratories, routine testing of materials and components, and maintenance of inspection records and test reports. Testing parameters include compressive strength tests, dimensional verification and surface finish inspections, supported by documentation of non-conformance reports where deviations arise.

In addition to internal quality checks, the QAP provides for independent third-party inspections and audits, along with supervision by the Authority Engineer. Provision is made for periodic and surprise inspections to ensure adherence to prescribed standards.

Traceability requirements have also been introduced for precast components, requiring unique identification markings for each unit linked to production, testing and installation records, thereby ensuring full lifecycle tracking and auditability of components deployed in highway projects.

Responsibility for compliance with the QAP framework continues to rest with the concessionaire or contractor, including where precast components are sourced from third-party manufacturers, thereby extending quality accountability across the project supply chain.

Overall, the introduction of the QAP framework represents a structured policy step toward strengthening quality assurance in highway construction, and is expected to improve durability of infrastructure assets, enhance construction efficiency and reduce lifecycle maintenance risks through standardized quality control processes.