NHAI Tightens RFP Norms to Strengthen Quality and Transparency in Highway Projects

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced stricter provisions in its Request for Proposal (RFP) framework to enhance the quality, transparency, and accountability of National Highway projects. The revised norms aim to ensure that only technically competent and experienced contractors qualify for large-scale works. NHAI has clarified that the “Similar Work” criterion will now apply exclusively to completed highway projects with all major components comparable to those under bid, curbing misuse by firms with limited or unrelated experience. The Authority has also restricted unauthorised subcontracting and engagement of EPC contractors in HAM and BOT projects without prior approval. Violations will now be treated as “Undesirable Practices” attracting penalties akin to fraudulent behaviour. Further, the use of third party-sourced bid or performance securities has been disallowed to strengthen financial accountability. These measures, NHAI said, will ensure timely execution, higher quality, and better utilisation of public funds across India’s highway network.