Overview
DHARTI-LI (Decarbonised Habitat Assessment & Rating for Transition Initiatives — Linear Infrastructure) is India's first structured sustainability rating system designed specifically for linear infrastructure projects including highways, railways, bridges, tunnels, pipelines, canals, and more.
The system is a voluntary rating programme that enables infrastructure developers, contractors, and government agencies to assess, benchmark, and improve the sustainability performance of their projects across the full lifecycle — from planning and design through construction, operation, and maintenance.
DHARTI-LI is a point-based evaluation methodology covering 10 impact categories totalling 100 points, plus up to 10 Innovation Credits — 110 points in total. All credits are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Impact Categories
The 10 impact categories cover the full environmental, social, and governance dimensions of linear infrastructure sustainability.
Credits marked Mandatory* carry zero points but are required for eligibility. Failure to comply with any mandatory credit disqualifies the project from that category regardless of score.
Efficient and responsible use of construction materials. Promotes low-carbon, recycled, and locally sourced materials to reduce embodied energy and resource depletion.
Energy consumption and GHG emissions from construction, equipment, and transport. Minimises fossil fuel use and promotes renewable energy adoption.
Minimises land disturbance and protects natural ecosystems. Emphasises alignment optimisation, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration.
Efficient water use and protection of water resources during construction and operation. Encourages conservation, stormwater management, and pollution prevention.
Reduction, reuse, and recycling of construction and demolition waste. Minimises landfill disposal and supports circular economy practices.
Construction-related air pollution, noise, and vibration impact on workers and communities. Focuses on dust suppression, emission control, and noise mitigation.
Safety, health, and welfare of workers and the public throughout the project lifecycle. Emphasises safe construction, traffic management, and emergency preparedness.
Social sustainability and community well-being. Addresses stakeholder engagement, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity to build trust and reduce disruption.
Ensures infrastructure is resilient to climate risks, extreme weather, and future uncertainties. Promotes climate-resilient design and disaster risk reduction.
Economic performance and financial sustainability. Promotes lifecycle cost efficiency, green finance alignment, and generation of local economic value.
Up to 10 additional points for innovative practices beyond standard criteria (2 pts each):
- Early-stage integration of sustainability/innovation expert throughout the project lifecycle.
- Introduction of socially beneficial or inclusive infrastructure features.
- Adoption of practices leading to minimal material wastage or circular use of resources.
- Application of net positive energy/water systems or real-time monitoring mechanisms.
- Any other approved innovation that demonstrably improves sustainability performance.
Certification Levels
Projects achieving the minimum score threshold are awarded a DHARTI-LI certification at one of four levels, valid from the date of certification.
Pre-certification is available at the design/planning stage. Final certification is awarded upon project completion and verification.
Scope & Applicability
DHARTI-LI applies to new construction and major renovation of linear infrastructure projects in India and internationally. The following project types are eligible:
Road & Highway
Expressways, national & state highways
Rail Infrastructure
Broad gauge, metro, light rail, high-speed
Bridges & Viaducts
Road bridges, flyovers, cable-stayed
Tunnels & Underground
Road, rail & mountain tunnels
Airport Runways & Taxiways
Runways, taxiways, apron elements
Pipelines & Networks
Oil, gas, water, sewerage
Transmission Lines
Power grids, utility corridors, fiber
Canals & Waterways
Irrigation, navigation, drainage
Ports & Maritime
Berths, quays, conveyor corridors
Multi-Modal Corridors
Integrated road-rail-utility hubs
Verification Pathways
Select one pathway at registration. The applicable fee is payable in full at the time of registration (single payment, no staged billing).
Design Verification (Pre-certification)
Design-stage verification review. For projects seeking pre-certification recognition based on design commitments and documentation.
Construction Only (Final Certification)
Construction verification review. For projects seeking final certification based on as-built evidence and performance data.
Design + Construction
Both design and construction verification. For projects seeking both design assurance and final as-built verification. Recommended for full life cycle projects.
Pathway 3 pricing: Fee = 80% of (Pathway 1 fee + Pathway 2 fee) for the same project cost slab — making full certification more cost-effective than two separate registrations.
Fee Structure
All fees are exclusive of GST (18%). Single upfront payment at registration — no staged billing. Validity: 5 years / 60 months from registration date.
| Project Value (₹ Cr) | Pathway 1 — Design | Pathway 2 — Construction | Pathway 3 — Design + Const. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | Member | Non-Member | |
| < ₹50 Cr | ₹1,64,700 | ₹1,83,000 | ₹1,64,700 | ₹1,83,000 | ₹2,63,520 | ₹2,92,800 |
| ₹50 – 200 Cr | ₹2,16,000 | ₹2,40,000 | ₹2,16,000 | ₹2,40,000 | ₹3,45,600 | ₹3,84,000 |
| ₹200 – 500 Cr | ₹3,24,000 | ₹3,60,000 | ₹3,24,000 | ₹3,60,000 | ₹5,18,400 | ₹5,76,000 |
| ₹500 – 1,000 Cr | ₹7,09,200 | ₹7,88,000 | ₹7,09,200 | ₹7,88,000 | ₹11,34,720 | ₹12,60,800 |
| > ₹1,000 Cr | Price on Application | |||||
What's Included
- Project registration and account activation
- Initial scoping and onboarding support
- Design verification: up to 2 full review cycles
- Construction verification: up to 2 full review cycles
- Award certificate(s) upon successful verification
- Introductory training session for the project team
- Standard documentation review and technical support
Additional Charges
- Extra design review cycle (beyond 2nd)₹15,000/cycle
- Extra construction review cycle (beyond 2nd)₹20,000/cycle
- Express review (15 working days)+50% of pathway fee
- Urgent review (7 working days)+100% of pathway fee
- Scope/boundary change re-scoping₹15,000
- Certificate amendment / reissuance₹3,000
- Appeal of decision (refunded if upheld)₹15,000
Special Discounts & Provisions
Early Adopter Incentive
10% off applicable pathway fee for projects registered on or before 31 Dec 2026. Eligible projects receive "DHARTI-LI Pioneer Project" recognition.
Multiple Project Discount
3–5 projects: 10% off · 6–10 projects: 15% off · 11+ projects: 20% off + dedicated Account Manager. Registered under single organisation via Master Portfolio Agreement.
Empanelled Partners
Up to 10% off where an empanelled entity is the lead sustainability consultant. Formalised via MoU approved by the DHARTI Governing Council.
Conditions for Empanelled Discounts
- Empanelment must be formalised through a written Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or agreement approved by the DHARTI Governing Council.
- Discounts shall apply only to projects registered by the empanelled organisation in its own name or where it is contractually designated as the principal sustainability consultant.
- Empanelled discounts cannot be combined with portfolio discounts for the same project; in such cases, the higher of the two discount levels shall be applied.
- DHARTI-LI reserves the right to review, revise, suspend, or withdraw empanelled discounts based on performance, compliance, and periodic programme reviews.