NHAI takes measures to mitigate heatwave effect on workforce in highway construction

State-owned NHAI on Tuesday said it has directed contractors and concessioners to provide staggered working hours for workers involved in National Highway construction to avoid peak heat hours, typically between 12 pm and 4 pm, to mitigate the heatwave effect. In a statement, NHAI said it has issued guidelines outlining mandatory safety protocols for construction sites, maintenance work and toll plazas under the NHAI jurisdiction. The safety measures based on best practices will be immediately implemented by all contractors, concessionaires and toll collection agencies to ensure staff and workers' well-being, it added. ''Special emphasis has been placed on acclimatisation of workers, ensuring that new or returning personnel are gradually exposed to strenuous tasks over a period of 3–5 days,'' NHAI said, adding that workers are also to be trained to identify and respond to heat-related illnesses or health issues, including heatstroke. The authority said emergency preparedness has also been strengthened, and patrol ambulances will be equipped with ice packs, cold water, and IV fluids. Route Patrolling Units (RPUs) have been instructed to increase monitoring frequency to assist highway users facing heat-related issues and vehicle breakdowns due to overheating, it added. For toll operations, NHAI said it has advised minimising outdoor exposure of personnel during peak heat hours from 11 am to 3 pm through optimised shift management and rotational rosters. Night hours will be effectively utilised for administrative and maintenance operational activities that do not require peak-hour lane presence, it added.

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