The National Highways Authority of India has launched special quality audits across 17 under-construction highway projects where contracts were awarded at bids more than 15 percent below estimated tender values. Under an expanded accountability framework introduced alongside the drive, serious construction lapses could result in bans of up to two years, contract terminations, and substantial financial penalties, with liabilities enforced against monitoring engineers and supervision consultants in addition to contractors.
Multi-state inspection drive targets high-value projects
The initiative covers large-scale projects located in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. These stretches comprise greenfield highways, access-controlled corridors, bypasses, and four- to six-laning works. To select the projects, the authority applied three criteria: an estimated construction cost exceeding ₹500 crore, financial bids quoted at more than 15 percent below project estimates, and an active physical progress range of between 35 percent and 80 percent. Formed under the guidance of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a dedicated 39-member panel composed of experienced and retired engineers from the Railways, the Defence sector, and state Public Works Departments has been tasked with overseeing the independent audits.
Focus on technical adherence, safety standards, and follow-up checks
Operating independently of routine field assessments, the expert teams will examine execution methods, approved engineering drawings, material sampling procedures, laboratory test records, and overall contractual compliance. The on-site reviews will also evaluate road safety arrangements, work-zone traffic control systems, and required environmental safeguards to resolve potential structural shortcomings before completion. The initial phase of reviews is scheduled to wrap up by December 2026. A separate inspection team will conduct follow-up verifications approximately six months later to confirm that identified defects have been rectified and necessary operational improvements implemented on site.
Stringent penalties introduced for engineers and consulting firms
The authority has broadened its accountability provisions to address lapses that could trigger serious structural failures. Roles assigned to Authority Engineers, Independent Engineers, and Supervision Consultants will come under close scrutiny to identify supervisory failures. Under the new guidelines, individuals found responsible for critical oversights may be removed and debarred for up to two years. Similarly, consulting firms face prospective two-year tender bans from assignments issued by the ministry and its related wings. In addition to potential contract termination and negative performance marks, authorities may forfeit up to 50 percent of the Performance Bank Security.
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