NHAI directs road contractors to adhere to MBCB guidelines

The National Highways Authority of India Wednesday directed all road contractors or concessionaires to ensure strict adherence to the defined guidelines for installation of metal beam crash barrier (MBCB) along the National Highways as per standards specified by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and ministry of road transport and highways.

The directive comes as the government strives to strengthen road safety, enhance the quality of National Highway construction and reduce the number of road accidents.

As per the statement issued by the ministry of road transport and highways, in its directive NHAI has told concessionaires or contractors to ensure that material supplied for the crash barrier should be of the same specification as given in the crash test report and it should be installed as per the methodology provided by the manufacturer.


“The concessionaire or contractor shall obtain a certificate from the manufacturer that the crash barrier installed at the project site is as per prescribed design, standards and specifications,” it said adding even the desired level of ground layer compaction should also be ensured by the concessionaire or contractor.

Also, instructions have been issued to metal beam crash barrier manufacturers directing them to provide a QR code on MBCB through which the standard operating procedure (SOP) or methodology for installation of MBCB can be easily accessed by anyone at the project site.

“In addition, while approving the MBCB, an authority engineer or independent engineer shall ensure that all technical specifications meet the design standards defined in the crash test report,” it added.

“These guidelines will not only increase the accountability of contractors or concessionaires to deliver good quality projects but will also go a long way to enhance safety of the national highway users across the country,” NHAI said.