Govt brings new ratings framework for highway builders

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a new methodology to assess contractors and concessionaires executing national highway projects. According to these new draft norms, they will be subjected to seven parameters, with quality of work (40%) and timely completion (30%) receiving the highest weightage. The remaining components include maintenance (10%), overall performance and user rating (10%), safety (5%), dispute resolution (3%), and sub-contracting practices (2%), alongside a strong deterrent for poor workmanship through negative marking of up to 30 points for quality lapses.

Detailed concept notes outlining the marking scheme for each parameter — including punctuality, quality checks and deductions for pavement or structural failures — have been published with the memorandum.