MoRTH Mandate: Precast Concrete Speeds Up Highway Projects

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made the use of precast concrete elements mandatory for non-critical components in highway projects with a civil cost exceeding ₹300 crore. In a circular dated June 24, the ministry emphasized that precast technology, especially in urban and built-up areas, offers key advantages such as reduced pollution and minimal traffic disruption.

To accelerate adoption, MoRTH has directed that precast components be used in new projects where bids are submitted 90 days after the circular’s issuance. The directive includes specifications for off-site precast manufacturing facilities, certification processes, and quality control protocols. However, certification will not be required for precast work conducted directly at the project site.

Mandatory precast components include box culverts, stormwater drains, boundary and toe walls, RCC crash barriers, kerbs, channels, and railings. While adherence to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) or Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes is required, contractors may temporarily follow established international standards until specific BIS norms are in place.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.