NHAI Issues Comprehensive Heatwave Safety Guidelines to Protect Highway Workers and Commuters
NEW DELHI, April 28, 2026 — In response to the intensifying summer heatwave, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has mandated a rigorous set of safety protocols across all construction sites, maintenance projects, and toll plazas nationwide. The new guidelines require contractors and concessionaires to implement staggered working hours, effectively halting labor-intensive activities like asphalt laying and welding during the peak heat window of 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. To safeguard the workforce, NHAI has made it mandatory to provide ventilated shaded rest areas, uninterrupted access to cool drinking water, and regular cooling breaks, alongside specialized training for staff to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses. Emergency preparedness has also been bolstered, with patrol ambulances now required to carry ice packs and IV fluids, while Route Patrolling Units have increased their frequency to assist commuters facing vehicle breakdowns or health distress due to the extreme temperatures.
The directive extends to toll operations, where shift management must now minimize outdoor exposure between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and provide air-conditioned cooling rooms for booth staff. Administrative and maintenance tasks are to be shifted to night hours wherever possible to reduce heat strain. Additionally, all site supervisors and toll locations must maintain stocks of ORS and glucose packets to prevent dehydration. To ensure these life-saving measures are strictly followed, NHAI field officials will conduct mandatory weekly inspections at all project sites. By prioritizing worker well-being and commuter safety through these proactive measures, NHAI aims to sustain the momentum of National Highway development without compromising the health of the thousands of personnel working across the country’s infrastructure network.