Govt opens up highway projects for mid-sized firms
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Govt opens up highway projects for mid-sized firms

The recent relaxations by the government by increasing participation from a larger set of bidders are likely to intensify competition in highways, roads, bridges and tunnelling projects, as they enable mid-sized firms to participate in the bidding process. As the eligibility of multiple construction contractors has been hindered by the global pandemic, these relaxations will provide the much-needed relief.

As a part of the relaxations provided, the government has slashed the minimum net worth criteria limit to 15% from 25% of the projected engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) project value in the preceding financial year for bidders of national highway projects. The definition of core sector has been expanded to include the construction of hotels, warehouses, stadiums, oil and gas, hospitals, smart cities, silos, and commercial set-up works.

Some of the measures for mid-sized construction companies include relaxation of technical eligibility criteria for tunnelling, bridge works; extension of concessions for all road projects; and relaxation of eligibility criteria for road EPC projects.

The reform may also help with bank credit, which has been shrinking for the sector since even before the onset of the pandemic. After the coronavirus pandemic severely affected the liquidity of infrastructure developers, the government has decreased the amount of performance guarantee for all construction contracts to 3% of the value of the respective contracts, from the extant levels of 5-10%. This reduction is valid for all existing contracts and will continue to remain so for all contracts awarded until the end of next year. It has been implemented to ease liquidity concerns and ensure timely execution of projects.

The recent relaxations by the government by increasing participation from a larger set of bidders are likely to intensify competition in highways, roads, bridges and tunnelling projects, as they enable mid-sized firms to participate in the bidding process. As the eligibility of multiple construction contractors has been hindered by the global pandemic, these relaxations will provide the much-needed relief. As a part of the relaxations provided, the government has slashed the minimum net worth criteria limit to 15% from 25% of the projected engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) project value in the preceding financial year for bidders of national highway projects. The definition of core sector has been expanded to include the construction of hotels, warehouses, stadiums, oil and gas, hospitals, smart cities, silos, and commercial set-up works. Some of the measures for mid-sized construction companies include relaxation of technical eligibility criteria for tunnelling, bridge works; extension of concessions for all road projects; and relaxation of eligibility criteria for road EPC projects. The reform may also help with bank credit, which has been shrinking for the sector since even before the onset of the pandemic. After the coronavirus pandemic severely affected the liquidity of infrastructure developers, the government has decreased the amount of performance guarantee for all construction contracts to 3% of the value of the respective contracts, from the extant levels of 5-10%. This reduction is valid for all existing contracts and will continue to remain so for all contracts awarded until the end of next year. It has been implemented to ease liquidity concerns and ensure timely execution of projects.

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?