New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance accountability and ensure quality in the construction and maintenance of National Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a comprehensive performance assessment and rating system for concessionaires involved in highway development and upkeep.
Under this new system, concessionaires will be evaluated every six months, with their ratings published on NHAI’s website and social media platforms, ensuring transparency.
Methodology for Assessment
The rating framework is built on the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and compliance with defect rectification notifications logged on the NHAI One App. Key features include:
- Pavement Condition Index (PCI): An 80% weightage is allocated to PCI, which uses a scientific scale (0 to 100) to assess pavement conditions, ranging from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Failed.’
- NHAI One App Compliance: A 20% weightage is assigned to the resolution of over 95 defect types, digitally tracked and monitored via the app.
The PCI will be derived using six functional parameters—roughness, potholes, cracking, ravelling, rut depth, and patchwork—following IRC 82:2023 guidelines. Data will be collected through advanced technologies such as Laser Crack Measurement Systems and Network Survey Vehicles, ensuring precise evaluations.
Performance Categories and Consequences
Concessionaires will be categorized based on their assessed ratings:
- Non-Performers: Contractors scoring below 70 out of 100 will be marked as non-performers, making them ineligible for new highway projects until their ratings improve.
The ratings will be reviewed biannually at both the individual project and overall concessionaire levels.
Raising Standards for National Highways
This initiative aims to set new benchmarks in highway construction and maintenance, prioritizing quality, safety, and user satisfaction. By adopting a transparent evaluation framework, NHAI seeks to deliver a smoother and safer travel experience for highway users while holding contractors accountable for performance.