New NHAI Product Approval Process

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced a simplified and transparent process for product approvals, effective October 12, 2023. This initiative aims to speed up decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and encourage innovation in highway construction.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for NHAI product approval under the new guidelines, helping manufacturers and suppliers avoid common mistakes and get faster results.

Why NHAI Product Approval Matters

Before any product — whether a construction material, technology, or equipment — can be used in national highway projects, it must be approved by NHAI. Approval ensures:

Quality assurance for safe and durable infrastructure
Compliance with technical standards
Faster integration of innovative solutions into projects
Transparency in vendor selection

Step-by-Step NHAI Product Approval Process

Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure your product:

Meets Indian Standards (IS) or international equivalents
Has undergone reliable lab testing from an NABL-accredited laboratory
Falls under the category of materials, technologies, or equipment used in highway construction

Pro Tip: Keep your technical datasheet and performance reports ready before starting the application.

Step 2: Prepare the Application

The application must include:

Product name, category, and intended use
Test reports and certifications
Manufacturing details and capacity
Past performance records (if applicable)

NHAI now accepts digital submissions, reducing paperwork and speeding up processing.

Step 3: Submission to NHAI

Applications are to be submitted to the Product Approval Committee via the designated NHAI portal or email.
Once submitted:

You will receive an acknowledgement with a tracking reference
The Product Approval Committee will initiate the review process

Step 4: Technical Review & Evaluation

The Product Approval Committee will:

Verify all submitted documents
Examine test data and certifications
Request additional information if required

If your product is innovative but lacks full testing history, NHAI may allow provisional approval for trial use.

Step 5: Field Trials (If Required)

For new or innovative products:

A trial may be conducted in a live project
Performance will be monitored for a defined evaluation period
Results will determine final approval

Step 6: Final Approval & Listing

Once approved:

Your product will be added to the NHAI Approved Products List
Approval validity will be specified (usually 3–5 years, depending on category)
Renewal requires performance history and updated certifications

Key Benefits of the New NHAI Approval System

Faster decisions: Reduced from months to weeks
Digital transparency: Application tracking and status updates
Encouragement for innovation: Provisional approvals for new technologies
Reduced paperwork: Online submissions and digital recordkeeping

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete documents
Using outdated test reports
Not following the correct product category in the application
Missing deadlines for additional data submission

Conclusion

The new NHAI product approval process is designed to promote efficiency, transparency, and innovation in India’s highway sector. By following the step-by-step approach outlined above, manufacturers and suppliers can ensure a smooth and faster approval journey.
With better clarity and reduced bureaucracy, NHAI’s initiative is a win-win for both the industry and the nation’s road infrastructure.

New NHAI Product Approval Process | Step-by-Step Guide