NHAI Suspends Officials Over Pavement Damage on NH-754K in Gujarat

04 Jul 2025 CW Team

The affected segment lies within Package-4 (Kilana to Santalpur) and is being constructed by M/s CDS Infra Projects Limited. The damage spans 1.35 km on the left-hand side (LHS) across 10 patches and 1.36 km on the right-hand side (RHS) over 5 patches of the total 130 km corridor in Gujarat.

Causes of failure and current status

The failure of the pavement crust has been attributed to defects in the Aggregate Inter Layer (AIL), Cement Treated Base (CTB) and inadequate drainage. The project is being executed in Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and the completion certificate has not yet been issued.

The contractor, M/s CDS Infra Projects Limited, has been debarred with immediate effect from participating in ongoing and future tenders. A show cause notice has been issued for debarment, along with a monetary penalty of Rs 2.8 crore. The contractor is now undertaking rectification work at their own risk and cost.

Disciplinary action and investigation

The Authority’s Engineer, M/s SA Infra (in association with M/s Upham), has also been debarred from current and future bids, and issued a show cause notice. In addition, the NHAI Project Director in Palanpur has been placed under suspension.

To investigate the matter, NHAI has constituted expert committees comprising retired and serving professors from IIT-BHU, IIT-Delhi, and IIT-Gandhinagar. These committees are conducting site inspections, collecting samples, and will recommend remedial measures based on detailed testing and analysis.

The authority has reiterated its commitment to maintaining construction quality and holding all stakeholders accountable for lapses.

"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."

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken strict action following reports of distressed pavement conditions on parts of the six-lane Sanchore–Santalpur section of the Amritsar–Jamnagar Economic Corridor (NH-754K) in Gujarat. The affected segment lies within Package-4 (Kilana to Santalpur) and is being constructed by M/s CDS Infra Projects Limited. The damage spans 1.35 km on the left-hand side (LHS) across 10 patches and 1.36 km on the right-hand side (RHS) over 5 patches of the total 130 km corridor in Gujarat. Causes of failure and current status The failure of the pavement crust has been attributed to defects in the Aggregate Inter Layer (AIL), Cement Treated Base (CTB) and inadequate drainage. The project is being executed in Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and the completion certificate has not yet been issued. The contractor, M/s CDS Infra Projects Limited, has been debarred with immediate effect from participating in ongoing and future tenders. A show cause notice has been issued for debarment, along with a monetary penalty of Rs 2.8 crore. The contractor is now undertaking rectification work at their own risk and cost. Disciplinary action and investigation The Authority’s Engineer, M/s SA Infra (in association with M/s Upham), has also been debarred from current and future bids, and issued a show cause notice. In addition, the NHAI Project Director in Palanpur has been placed under suspension. To investigate the matter, NHAI has constituted expert committees comprising retired and serving professors from IIT-BHU, IIT-Delhi, and IIT-Gandhinagar. These committees are conducting site inspections, collecting samples, and will recommend remedial measures based on detailed testing and analysis. The authority has reiterated its commitment to maintaining construction quality and holding all stakeholders accountable for lapses.

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..