The National Highways Builders Federation (NHBF) has called for realistic bidding practices, adequate operation and maintenance (O&M) payments and sustainable contractual frameworks for highway contractors. Its position follows a presentation by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman on a new digital monitoring system for highways.

The framework uses webcams, drone surveys and automated defect detection to track highway conditions and maintenance performance. The system is intended to improve transparency, accountability and the quality of maintenance by enabling more systematic identification of defects and closer oversight of contractors’ work.

The NHBF acknowledged the potential benefits of technology-enabled monitoring but said contractors must have the operational and financial capacity to comply with more stringent performance requirements. It said contract conditions and bidding processes should reflect the resources needed to meet those standards, rather than placing obligations on companies without adequate commercial support.

The federation also renewed its concerns about the adequacy of O&M payments made by the NHAI. It called for payment provisions to be revised so that they more accurately cover the costs of maintaining highway assets, including manpower, machinery, materials, pavement repairs, drainage upkeep, road furniture and safety installations.

The NHBF’s recommendations come as the NHAI increases the use of digital tools in highway supervision. The federation said a viable payment structure and realistic bidding would be important for ensuring that contractors can sustain required maintenance standards while investing in the equipment and personnel needed for compliance. The issue is likely to remain significant as monitoring becomes more data-driven and performance expectations rise across highway contracts.