MoU Signed in Presence of Senior Officials
The agreement was formalised in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs; Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman, NHAI; and Dr. Alok Kumar Srivastava, Director General, National Test House.
Senior officers from NTH and NHAI were also present, underlining the institutional commitment to strengthening quality assurance frameworks in the rapidly expanding national highway network.
NTH to Act as Recognised Testing Laboratory
Under the terms of the MoU, the National Test House will be empanelled as a recognised laboratory for NHAI. Highway construction samples and materials related to allied works may be sent to NTH for independent testing and inspection.
Testing will be carried out through NTH’s extensive network of regional laboratories and satellite centres located in Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Guwahati, Bengaluru and Varanasi. This pan-India presence is expected to ensure timely and uniform quality checks across projects.
Focus on Transparency and Timely Reporting
NTH will provide scientific, impartial and reliable test results within an optimum timeframe. Reports will be shared through NTH’s online Management Information System (MIS) portal as well as in physical form, ensuring transparency and traceability.
The MoU also enables online submission of test requests and digital payment systems, reducing procedural delays and enhancing efficiency in quality monitoring processes.
Capacity Building and Technical Collaboration
Beyond testing and inspection, the agreement outlines a framework for deeper technical collaboration between NTH and NHAI. Nodal officers from both organisations will coordinate activities, while NTH experts may participate in NHAI’s technical committees when required.
Joint training programmes, workshops and capacity-building sessions will be organised for NHAI officials to strengthen technical knowledge and best practices in quality assurance. NTH will also support the upgrading of testing facilities in NHAI laboratories wherever necessary.
Strengthening India’s Infrastructure Ecosystem
Established in 1912, the National Test House functions under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. It is one of India’s premier scientific testing and quality assurance institutions, with decades of experience across multiple sectors.
The collaboration with NHAI is expected to significantly improve standardisation, accountability and efficiency in highway construction. Enhanced third-party testing will contribute to improved safety, longer service life of roads, and better value for public expenditure.
Aligned with Government’s Infrastructure Vision
The MoU reflects the government’s broader push for quality-driven infrastructure development under initiatives such as Bharatmala and the National Infrastructure Pipeline. By integrating independent scientific testing into project execution, the partnership aims to minimise defects, reduce maintenance costs and enhance public confidence.
Officials noted that the collaboration would play a crucial role in ensuring that India’s expanding highway network meets global standards of safety, durability and performance.
