Quick Set, Big Step—MoRTH’s Concrete Mandate Aims for Infrastructure Uplift

Image Source: Prewall Civil

In a significant policy shift to accelerate infrastructure development, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has prescribed precast concrete elements in non-critical sections of national highways projects with a civil cost exceeding ₹300 crore. The directive has been issued in a circular dated June 24, 2025, which will be applicable to all fresh projects on which bids are invited 90 days from the date of the issuance of the circular.

1. What the Mandate Covers

The policy accommodates non-critical items such as:

Box culverts
Stormwater drains cum footpaths
Chute drains with dissipation chambers
Boundary and toe walls
RCC crash barriers
Kerbs, channels, and pedestrian/median railings

These products can be factory-made or precast on site in the contractor's yard.

2. Why It's Important

Avoids pollution and minimizes user delays, especially in urban and built-up areas.
Enhance speed of construction, quality control, and cost-savings.
Encourages the utilization of newest technologies in construction and standardization.

3. Quality and Compliance

All the precast elements must be as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) or Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines.
International codes may be used until BIS standards are fully developed.
Off-site manufacture must adhere to rigorous certification and quality control processes, though on-site precasting is exempt from certification.

4. Strategic Vision

This scheme is part of MoRTH's broader process of getting highway construction modern, green, and project execution periods shorter. It also facilitates the development of the precast concrete industry, including MSMEs and specialized manufacturers.

Sources: Economic Times, MoRTH Circular