NHAI to set up a performance threshold for highway bidders

NHAI is at an advanced stage of introducing a system of ranking of concessionaires based on their performance on various parameters including safety, frequency of accident on the stretch, and the road and toll plaza management systems, among other scores. Only those eligible with scores above the cut-off mark will be allowed to bid for new projects. However, the under-achiever will have a chance to come clean and be eligible again to bid for new projects, once it improves on the ranking in the next round of performance audit. Suitable amendments to bidding documents will be incorporated to make a rating of concessionaires as one of the qualification criteria for awarding new projects. Besides, NHAI has also issued a provision for penal action of up to Rs 100 million and debarment for up to three years, of the defaulting firm or personnel, in the event of any lapses in construction standards of bridges or structures or approaches to structures.