CHANDIGARH, OCT 1: National Highways Authority of India announced special quality inspections for 17 under-construction National Highway projects where bidding values were quoted at more than 15 per cent below estimated project costs. The initiative covers major infrastructure developments in states including Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. The initial phase of assessments is scheduled for completion by December 2026, with follow-up reviews planned six months later to verify compliance.
Projects selected for these comprehensive evaluations meet specific criteria, including construction costs exceeding Rs 500 crore, tender discounts above 15 per cent, and physical progress ranging between 35 and 80 per cent. The selected works encompass greenfield access-controlled corridors, bypasses, and four- to six-laning developments. Officials stated that targeting projects within this progress window allows for early detection of potential deficiencies and timely corrective action.
To execute the monitoring drive, NHAI constituted a specialized expert pool led by 39 retired engineers from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence, and State Public Works Departments, supported by technical specialists. Teams will evaluate construction against approved design plans, examine material quality and workmanship, and review sampling records alongside road safety, traffic management, and environmental measures.
Authority representatives maintained that the structured evaluations aim to identify recurring quality issues, improve construction practices, and enforce accountability among contractors and consultants. Works failing to meet prescribed benchmarks will face corrective action under standard contractual provisions as part of ongoing efforts to build durable national highway infrastructure.
