NHAI to Conduct Special Quality Checks on 17 Highway Projects with Low Bids

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is conducting special quality inspections of 17 ongoing projects to strengthen quality control and ensure adherence to the highest standards in the construction of national highway projects. These projects were selected because their bid amounts were more than 15 percent lower than the estimated project cost.

This special inspection will be in addition to the regular quality inspections conducted by NHAI. The primary objective is to identify quality-related issues at an early stage so that corrective actions can be taken in a timely manner. The goal is to complete the first phase of inspections by December 2026. Furthermore, to verify compliance with quality standards, these projects will be re-inspected by a separate team of experts six months later.

The selection of these 17 projects was based on three main criteria: a construction cost exceeding ₹500 crore, a discount of more than 15 percent in the tender, and physical progress of the project between 35 percent and 80 percent. These projects include greenfield and controlled-access corridors, bypasses, and four- and six-lane roads located in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.

NHAI has assembled a group of experts for the inspection, led by 39 experienced and retired engineers from various government organizations. This team includes engineers from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence, and state Public Works Departments.

The expert teams will examine the construction work based on approved maps, technical specifications, contract terms, and project-specific quality plans. During the inspection, the quality of construction materials, workmanship, construction methods, and sample testing records will be scrutinized, along with road safety measures, traffic management, and environmental protection measures. Corrective actions will be taken against work that does not meet the prescribed standards, in accordance with contract provisions.

Through this initiative, NHAI aims to improve construction processes and increase the accountability of contractors and consultants to develop a world-class national highway network across the country.