CBI moves against ex-NHAI official for violation of terms

30 Mar 2021 Editorial Team

The First Information Report (FIR) names the then NHAI-Jammu Regional Officer, Hem Raj, and Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, proprietor of the private company named M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, besides the company, as accused.

Last year, the CBI had ordered a preliminary enquiry against the company and unknown officials on the allegation that it was awarded the work order of Rs 9.34 crore for improvement and routine maintenance of the Lakhanpur-Jammu section, including the Jammu Bypass Road in Jammu & Kashmir, in violation of the tender’s terms and conditions.

The CBI found that the NHAI’s Jammu office invited bids through e-tendering for the work. The tender was cancelled and a fresh one was issued in January 2018.

The conditions included that each bidder should have achieved an average annual financial turnover equal to the amount indicated in the notice inviting tender, during the last three years ending March 31 of the previous financial year, certified by a Chartered Accountant. The previous similar works shown as experience should have been satisfactorily completed as a prime contractor during the last seven years.

The tender evaluation committee examined the bids and it turned out that the certificates of the other four bidders clearly mentioned the experience of work on the GT Road However, the accused firm’s certificate was silent about the nature of work, as alleged.

After the opening of the financial bids, the committee recommended the acceptability of rates of the lowest bidder, M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, which was 41.25% below the estimated cost of Rs 15.90 crore of the tender.

The second-lowest bidder, M/s Mohandas V Rajani, made a representation complaining about alleged discrepancies. His complaint was turned down stating that it was out of context. However, during the initial probe, Mr Rajak told the agency that the issue had not been discussed in the committee.

M/s Mohandas V Rajani approached the Delhi High Court, which directed the NHAI to verify the experience certificates submitted by M/s Rajesh Kumar Chaudhary. It is alleged that the then Regional Officer did not take efforts to do the verification properly.

Image Source

Also read: CBI lodges FIR against DHFL for fake PMAY subsidy claims

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

An ex-Regional Officer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)-Jammu division, along with others, has been booked by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under allegations of awarding a Rs 9.34 crore work contract to a company that did not meet NHAI's tender eligibility. The First Information Report (FIR) names the then NHAI-Jammu Regional Officer, Hem Raj, and Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, proprietor of the private company named M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, besides the company, as accused. Last year, the CBI had ordered a preliminary enquiry against the company and unknown officials on the allegation that it was awarded the work order of Rs 9.34 crore for improvement and routine maintenance of the Lakhanpur-Jammu section, including the Jammu Bypass Road in Jammu & Kashmir, in violation of the tender’s terms and conditions. The CBI found that the NHAI’s Jammu office invited bids through e-tendering for the work. The tender was cancelled and a fresh one was issued in January 2018. The conditions included that each bidder should have achieved an average annual financial turnover equal to the amount indicated in the notice inviting tender, during the last three years ending March 31 of the previous financial year, certified by a Chartered Accountant. The previous similar works shown as experience should have been satisfactorily completed as a prime contractor during the last seven years. The tender evaluation committee examined the bids and it turned out that the certificates of the other four bidders clearly mentioned the experience of work on the GT Road However, the accused firm’s certificate was silent about the nature of work, as alleged. After the opening of the financial bids, the committee recommended the acceptability of rates of the lowest bidder, M/s Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary, which was 41.25% below the estimated cost of Rs 15.90 crore of the tender. The second-lowest bidder, M/s Mohandas V Rajani, made a representation complaining about alleged discrepancies. His complaint was turned down stating that it was out of context. However, during the initial probe, Mr Rajak told the agency that the issue had not been discussed in the committee. M/s Mohandas V Rajani approached the Delhi High Court, which directed the NHAI to verify the experience certificates submitted by M/s Rajesh Kumar Chaudhary. It is alleged that the then Regional Officer did not take efforts to do the verification properly. Image Source Also read: CBI lodges FIR against DHFL for fake PMAY subsidy claims

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..