The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a significant step towards improving the quality of India’s highway network by launching a performance rating system for contractors. This initiative, aimed at tackling the persistent issue of poor highway maintenance, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s infrastructure management.
India’s highway network has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with approximately 95,000 kilometres of national highways and expressways being widened or constructed. However, this rapid expansion has often been marred by subpar maintenance, leading to deteriorating road conditions characterized by potholes, cracks, and rough surfaces. These issues compromise road users’ safety and comfort and undermine the economic benefits of a robust highway network.
The newly introduced rating system by NHAI is designed to assess the performance of contractors engaged in highway maintenance objectively. Contractors will be evaluated based on five key parameters: roughness, potholes, rut depth, surface cracking, patchwork, and ravelling. Those scoring below 60 out of 100 will be deemed “non-performers,” significantly reducing their chances of securing future projects.
This system is not merely punitive but also incentivizes contractors to improve their performance. By making the ratings publicly available on the NHAI website and social media handles, the initiative aims to foster transparency and accountability. Contractors will be motivated to maintain high standards to protect their reputations and secure future contracts.
A notable aspect of this initiative is the deployment of network survey vehicles (NSVs) equipped with cameras and sensors to assess road conditions. These vehicles will capture detailed data every 100 meters, which will be automatically transferred to a central database for processing within 48 hours. This technology-driven approach eliminates manual intervention, ensuring accurate and timely assessments.
The use of colour-coded notices for faster action and the involvement of specialized manpower further enhance the efficiency of this system. If contractors fail to improve road conditions within specified timelines, NHAI will undertake the necessary improvements and recover the costs from the non-performing contractors.
The introduction of this rating system is a clear message that substandard maintenance will no longer be tolerated. It underscores the importance of accountability and quality in infrastructure projects. By holding contractors to higher standards, NHAI is paving the way for safer, more reliable highways that can support India’s economic growth and development.
Moreover, this initiative sets a precedent for other sectors where contractor performance is critical. It demonstrates how technology and transparency can be leveraged to drive improvements and ensure that public funds are used effectively.