India Withdraws Revised Seismic Zonation and Earthquake-Resistant Building Code

The Indian government has withdrawn the revised seismic zonation and updated IS 1893 (Part 1): 2025 earthquake-resistant building code less than four months after its introduction. The Bureau of Indian Standards reinstated the 2016 code following objections from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, infrastructure agencies, and metro rail corporations concerned about significant construction cost increases and project delays. Authorities emphasized the need for comprehensive stakeholder consultation, financial impact assessment, and a phased transition before implementing new standards.