NHAI Caps Projects per Engineer to Boost Quality Control

In a major move to strengthen quality supervision and enhance execution standards of national highway projects, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has limited the number of projects a designated Engineer can oversee to a maximum of 10. This restriction applies to consultancy firms serving as Independent Engineers, Authority Engineers, or Supervision Consultants and aims to ensure better compliance with specifications and contract provisions.

Why in News?

On June 12, 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, via PIB Delhi, released new supervision guidelines for National Highway projects. The decision comes after it was observed that overburdened engineers were unable to meet contractual supervision standards, affecting the quality and safety of highway infrastructure across India.

Objective of the New Norm

• To improve the quality of construction and maintenance of national highways.
• To ensure that each engineer has adequate time and resources for effective supervision.
• To promote safety, durability, and smooth travel across the highway network.

Key Guidelines

• A cap of 10 projects has been placed on each designated Engineer within consultancy firms.
• Applies to Independent Engineers, Authority Engineers, and Supervision Consultants.

This cap is applicable for projects under,

• Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode

Responsibilities of the Engineer

• The Engineer must visit the assigned project site monthly.
• Must contribute to the Monthly Progress Report in line with contract terms.
• Serve as the primary contact for ensuring contractual compliance and technical oversight.

Transition Period

• Firms have been given 60 days to realign their project allocations.
• The new restriction will come into effect after this transition period.

Broader Impact

• Prevents the overloading of engineers, ensuring quality assurance.
• Enables real-time, hands-on supervision, and accountability.
• Encourages consultancy firms to deploy sufficient qualified professionals.
• Enhances the credibility and efficiency of infrastructure development in India.