The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated the use of precast concrete elements for non-critical components in highway projects with a total civil cost exceeding Rs 300 crore. In a circular dated June 24, the ministry stated that using precast concrete in built-up and urban municipal areas offers significant benefits such as reduced pollution and minimised traffic delays.

“Need was felt to accelerate the use of precast concrete components to harness the benefits of precast technology in construction of national highways, expressways and other centrally sponsored road projects,” the ministry noted. This directive will apply to new projects for which bids are received 90 days after the circular’s issuance. The ministry outlined minimum facilities, certification protocols, and quality control and assurance guidelines for off-site precast component manufacturing. However, “certification shall not be required for precasting being done at project site,” it clarified.

Mandatory precast elements include box culverts, stormwater drains, boundary and toe walls, RCC crash barriers, kerbs, channels, and railings. While Indian Road Congress or BIS standards must be followed, contractors may use established international guidelines until specific BIS norms are developed.