The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released comprehensive guidelines for the planning and design of High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways, excluding Expressways, with a focus on technology integration, safety, sustainability and future traffic requirements.
The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on 24 September 2026, will apply to upcoming four-lane and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways. The objective is to ensure that these corridors are better planned and designed while improving safety, environmental performance and long-term infrastructure resilience.
Data-Driven Planning for Future Traffic
The new guidelines place emphasis on comprehensive traffic assessment and future demand planning. Traffic projections will consider existing as well as diverted traffic, along with anticipated growth in freight movement associated with economic and commercial activities.
NHAI will also use toll data and other reliable sources to improve the accuracy of traffic estimates and support better-informed highway planning.
Technology-Enabled Highway Construction
Modern construction technologies are being incorporated to improve quality, accuracy and monitoring during the development of high-speed highways. The guidelines provide for the use of Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AI-MC) technology for embankment and pavement construction, in accordance with applicable MoRTH guidelines.
The guidelines also provide for the future adoption of Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling on high-speed corridors, with appropriate provisions to facilitate its implementation.
Landscaping and Environmental Planning
Environmental measures will be integrated into highway planning from the project development stage. Landscaping and plantation will be planned at suitable locations, including loop areas, below flyovers and along medians, while considering local climate, topography and environmental conditions.
To improve water efficiency and simplify maintenance, drip irrigation systems will also be provided on highway medians.
Improved Drainage and Water Management
Comprehensive drainage planning will form part of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) process. The plans will identify rainwater disposal points and address the safe management of water from both the highway and surrounding areas.
The guidelines also call for water-harvesting structures in loop areas and other suitable locations, particularly where natural outlets for rainwater are unavailable. Special provisions will be made around underpasses, flyovers, depressed medians and other structures to reduce waterlogging and protect highway infrastructure.
According to the Ministry, the guidelines are intended to contribute to the development of safer, more sustainable and future-ready High-Speed National Highway corridors across the country.
Also Read: NHAI Tightens Plantation Compliance Norms for National Highway Project Completion
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