NHAI Mandates Documentaries for Highway Projects Above ₹500 Crore

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has made professional documentary filmmaking compulsory for highway projects costing more than ₹500 crore. The films will provide a detailed visual account of construction activities, technical challenges and the completion of major infrastructure works.

Under the new guidelines, contractors and concessionaires must engage professional video production agencies to document projects from the initial construction phase through commissioning. Each documentary should be approximately 15–20 minutes long.

The films will cover key stages, including site surveys, foundation work, road construction, bridges, flyovers, viaducts and the use of specialised equipment. They will also highlight major inspections, safety arrangements, quality checks and environmental protection initiatives.

NHAI has stressed the importance of documenting engineering challenges faced during construction and explaining how project teams overcome them. The films will also showcase construction techniques, project objectives and the expected public benefits, such as improved connectivity, shorter travel times, enhanced road safety and better access to economic opportunities.

The production standards will include professional narration or anchor presentation, high-quality ground footage, graphics, maps and captions. Drone footage may be used wherever permitted, while interviews with project officials and other stakeholders can also be incorporated.

The final documentary must maintain a clear narrative suitable for both technical experts and general viewers. NHAI’s Media Division will review and approve the completed film.

The directive will apply to upcoming highway projects valued above ₹500 crore for which the bidding process has not yet begun. For projects already awarded but awaiting the declaration of their appointed date, the requirement will be added through a change-of-scope provision.