NHAI's Quality Drive: Capping Projects for Better Highways

To strengthen oversight and improve the quality of National Highway projects, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set a limit of 10 projects per designated ‘Engineer’ from consultancy firms. This applies to firms acting as Independent Engineers, Authority Engineers, or Supervision Consultants for highway construction and maintenance.

The move addresses concerns over engineers being assigned to too many projects, which was affecting effective supervision and contract compliance. Each designated Engineer is responsible for ensuring adherence to technical specifications and contractual obligations.

Revised guidelines also include provisions specific to projects under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of Independent or Authority Engineers.

Under the new norms, each designated Engineer must conduct monthly site visits and submit detailed inputs in the Monthly Progress Reports, aligned with contractual requirements.

The cap will take effect after 60 days, giving consultancy firms time to comply. The measure is expected to boost efficiency, enhance construction quality, and ensure safer highway travel.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.