NHAI to penalise officials for shoddy construction quality

NHAI officials and engineers, the road ministry and other agencies involved in national highway construction will now be held responsible for failure in checking quality of work and structures, reported the Times of India.

The officials will face major or minor penalties for repeat failures to comply or in case of failure of any structure during construction. The authorities have so far only penalised contractors and consultants supervising work or independent engineers for any failure.

The road transport ministry has outlined the responsibility of the officers in-charge at site to inspect construction projects to ensure proven methodology is being followed, according to a circular issued this week.


As per the ministry, despite contract provisions for enforcing quality assurance, there are instances of 'lapses' on the part of construction companies or contractors and consultants. To have quality control, the concerned officers will inspect projects on a monthly basis to ensure approved plans are being followed.

In the case of works costing more than Rs 300 crore and projects involving a bridge of more than 60 meters, officers have to carry out bi-monthly inspections.

The circular said there will be graded action for failure of officers in their duty. They will have to carry out sample laboratory and on-site tests on important quality characteristics of materials, mixes and final products.