Road builders could face liability for a decade

14 Feb 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is contemplating the extension of the defect-liability period in engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contracts to 10 years. This proposed measure aims to reduce the government's expenditure on road maintenance.

The intention behind this move is to encourage contractors to enhance the quality of construction, ultimately leading to a decrease in road accidents. The ministry is currently in discussions with stakeholders and will soon finalise the proposals.

An official, wishing to remain anonymous, revealed, "Expert consultations are underway to extend the defect-liability period under EPC contracts to 10 years, as the ministry is committed to enhancing the quality of construction."

In the EPC mode of road construction, the central government assumes responsibility for maintaining national highways once the defect-liability period concludes. During the defect-liability period, it is the contractor's duty to handle maintenance.

For the fiscal year 2024-25, the ministry has allocated Rs 26 billion for road maintenance. This amount remains consistent with the budgetary and revised estimates for 2023-24, with a slight increase compared to the Rs 25.73 billion expended in 2022-23.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..