Rising temperatures linked to climate change prompt urgent guidelines across construction sites and toll plazas
Amid intensifying heatwave conditions sweeping across India, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)has rolled out a comprehensive set of safety guidelines aimed at safeguarding highway workers and commuters.
The move comes as above-normal summer temperatures continue to raise serious concerns about worker health, infrastructure resilience, and road safety.
The new directives mandate immediate implementation of precautionary measures across all National Highway construction zones, maintenance projects, and toll plazas. Contractors, concessionaires, and toll operators have been instructed to adopt best practices to reduce heat exposure and prevent heat-related illnesses.
Staggered Work Hours and Worker Protection
Recognizing the growing risks posed by extreme heat, NHAI has ordered staggered working hours to avoid peak temperatures between 12 PM and 4 PM.
High-risk activities such as asphalt laying and welding will now be restricted to early mornings and late evenings. Workers are also entitled to frequent cooling breaks, especially during heat alerts.
A key focus of the guidelines is acclimatization. New and returning workers will undergo a gradual exposure process over 3–5 days to build tolerance against high temperatures.
Additionally, workers are being trained to identify symptoms of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses—an increasingly common occupational hazard in a warming climate.
On-Site Cooling and Emergency Preparedness
To mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, construction sites must now provide shaded rest areas with proper ventilation and uninterrupted access to cool drinking water.
First-aid kits stocked with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and glucose are mandatory, while patrol vehicles and supervisors are tasked with ensuring quick response to emergencies.
Emergency preparedness has also been strengthened. Ambulances deployed by NHAI will be equipped with ice packs, cold water, and IV fluids.
Route Patrolling Units will increase surveillance to assist highway users facing heat stress or vehicle breakdowns caused by overheating engines.
Toll Plazas Adapt to Rising Temperatures
The heatwave response extends to toll plaza operations, where staff exposure to direct sunlight is being minimized through rotational shifts and optimized schedules.
Peak-hour outdoor duties are being reduced, with administrative work shifted to cooler night hours.
Infrastructure upgrades are also part of the plan. Air-conditioned cooling rooms, shaded booths, and temporary awnings are being installed to provide relief to toll workers.
Continuous availability of drinking water, ORS, and glucose has been made mandatory at all toll locations.
Climate Change Driving Policy Response
India has witnessed a steady rise in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years, a trend widely linked to global climate change.
According to climate experts, prolonged exposure to extreme heat not only endangers human health but also affects infrastructure durability and economic productivity.
NHAI’s latest guidelines reflect a growing recognition of climate risks in infrastructure management.
By integrating worker safety with climate adaptation strategies, the authority aims to ensure uninterrupted highway operations while addressing the realities of a warming environment.
Field officials will conduct weekly inspections to ensure compliance across project sites and toll plazas, signaling a stricter enforcement regime.
As India braces for more intense summers, NHAI’s heatwave safety framework highlights the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure practices. Protecting frontline workers and ensuring commuter safety are no longer optional—they are essential in navigating the challenges of a changing climate.