IndiaPosted at: Nov 2 2026 10:34AM


NHAI bans soil extraction from highway interchange areas, orders strict monitoring

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prohibited contractors from extracting soil for construction from land acquired for highway interchange loops, ramps, and similar areas, saying that indiscriminate excavation is damaging land intended for drainage, plantation, and other highway purposes.
The restriction will apply to all national highway projects, including those under construction, according to a policy circular issued by the authority.
NHAI said it had observed instances of contractors and concessionaires removing soil from acquired land to meet earthwork and filling requirements during highway construction. Such excavation can leave depressions, cause waterlogging and disturb natural drainage, making the land unsuitable for its intended use.
"Such land shall not be treated as a borrow area merely because it is available within the Project ROW or offers convenience in the transportation of earth," the authority said.
The circular covers land within interchange loops, areas between ramps and carriageways and other similar stretches acquired by NHAI.
The authority said these areas form part of the highway right-of-way and are often required for planting, landscaping, ecological improvement, drainage management, and the preservation of suitable ground levels.
Allowing contractors to remove soil merely because the land is available within the project boundary could lead to additional restoration costs, it said.
The authority, however, clarified that the restriction does not apply to excavation required under approved highway engineering designs.
Excavation for foundations, structures, grading, drainage works, and cut-and-fill operations may continue, provided they stay within the approved drawings, levels, and quantities.
Such excavation cannot be used as a source of soil for unrelated construction activities.
Any excavation beyond approved design requirements will need prior written approval from the competent authority.
Contractors seeking permission must provide technical justification, proposed ground levels, drainage arrangements, and an assessment of the impact on the land's intended use.
NHAI made it clear that even such approval would not amount to general permission to use the area as a source of construction soil.
The authority has directed its engineers and independent engineers to monitor compliance and ensure that acquired highway land is not used for unauthorised excavation.
Any violation must be stopped immediately and reported to the relevant project director, including details of the excavation's location and extent.
The circular also provides for restoration of affected land at the contractor's or concessionaire's own expense, wherever required.
Restoration may include returning the land to appropriate ground levels, guaranteeing appropriate drainage, and rendering it suitable for planting, landscaping, or other intended uses.
Noncompliance with these directions may invite action under the applicable contract or concession agreement and relevant laws.
NHAI has instructed all regional officers and project directors to enforce the restrictions and bring them to the notice of contractors, concessionaires and engineers working on highway projects.
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