NHAI Issues Nationwide Heatwave Protocols to Protect Highway Workers and Commuters

To reduce exposure to extreme temperatures, NHAI has directed that labour-intensive activities—such as asphalt laying and welding—be shifted to early morning or late evening hours.

Amid intensifying heatwave conditions across India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out comprehensive safety guidelines to protect construction workers, toll staff, and highway users, while ensuring uninterrupted operations across the national highway network.

The measures, which are mandatory for contractors, concessionaires, and toll agencies, aim to minimise heat-related risks through workplace adjustments, emergency preparedness, and enhanced monitoring.

Work Timings Rescheduled to Avoid Peak Heat

To reduce exposure to extreme temperatures, NHAI has directed that labour-intensive activities—such as asphalt laying and welding—be shifted to early morning or late evening hours.

Workers will now follow:

• Staggered shifts, avoiding peak heat between 12 PM and 4 PM

• Frequent cooling breaks, especially during severe heat alerts

Worker Safety and Health Measures Strengthened

The guidelines place strong emphasis on worker well-being, including:

• Gradual acclimatisation of new or returning workers over 3–5 days

• Training to identify and respond to heatstroke and dehydration

• Mandatory availability of cool drinking water, ORS, and glucose

Temporary shaded rest areas with ventilation are to be set up at all sites, while workers are encouraged to use breathable cotton-based safety vests alongside standard protective gear.

Emergency Response Systems Upgraded

NHAI has enhanced on-ground emergency readiness by mandating:

• First-aid stations at all worksites

• Patrol vehicles stocked with ORS, ice packs, and glucose

• Ambulances equipped with IV fluids and cooling supplies

Additionally, Route Patrolling Units (RPUs) will increase surveillance to assist highway users facing heat-related distress or vehicle breakdowns due to overheating.

Toll Plaza Operations Adjusted for Safety

At toll plazas, staff exposure to extreme heat will be reduced through:

• Rotational shift management between 11 AM and 3 PM

• Use of night hours for administrative tasks

Infrastructure upgrades include:

• Air-conditioned cooling rooms in toll booths and offices

• Installation of temporary sheds and awnings for shade

• Continuous supply of cool drinking water and hydration aids

Toll staff will also receive training to handle heat-related emergencies, enabling them to assist both colleagues and commuters.

Strict Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure implementation, NHAI field officials will conduct weekly inspections across project sites and toll plazas.

Officials said the guidelines are based on best practices for occupational safety during extreme weather, and are designed to balance worker protection with operational continuity.

Ensuring Safety Without Disrupting Infrastructure Growth

With large-scale highway construction and maintenance underway nationwide, the measures aim to minimise heatwave risks without slowing critical infrastructure projects.

NHAI reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the health and safety of workers and travellers, as India faces increasingly frequent and intense summer heat conditions.