NHAI Tightens RFP Rules To Boost Highway Project Quality

23 Sep 2025 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has revised its Request for Proposal (RFP) framework to improve the execution quality of National Highway projects, minimise delays, and reduce lifecycle costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that the changes are intended to ensure that only technically competent and experienced contractors qualify for large-scale highway developments.

A key reform redefines the “Similar Work” criterion in bid qualifications. Previously, contractors often misrepresented minor works as equivalent to full-scale highway projects to meet eligibility requirements. Under the updated provisions, “Similar Work” will strictly apply to completed highway projects encompassing all major components comparable in scale and complexity to the tendered project.

The new norms also address unauthorised practices in project execution, particularly the use of unapproved contractors or exceeding subcontracting limits in EPC, HAM, and BOT (Toll) projects. Such violations compromise quality, timelines, and regulatory oversight. Unauthorised subcontracting will now be classified as an “Undesirable Practice”, attracting penalties equivalent to fraudulent activities.

Another major reform tackles the misuse of third-party Bid and Performance Securities. NHAI found that bidders previously relied on external financial instruments, weakening accountability. The revised rules prohibit submission of third-party securities, accepting only those backed directly by bidders or their approved entities.

By tightening bidder eligibility, restricting unauthorised subcontracting, and enhancing financial accountability, NHAI aims to instil greater discipline in contract execution. The ministry emphasised that these measures will safeguard quality, reinforce regulatory oversight, and strengthen trust and transparency in highway development.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..