New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited international bids for the appointment of Independent Engineers to oversee two major six-lane greenfield highway projects in Maharashtra, with a combined investment exceeding ₹15,145 crore.

These projects, to be executed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) toll mode, aim to develop high-speed, access-controlled corridors and significantly modernise the state’s transport infrastructure.

A Two-Pronged Infrastructure Push

The tenders have been divided into two consultancy packages, each covering a key stretch of a strategic highway corridor:

Package 1 (Ahilyanagar to Hasapur): This package involves the construction of a 222 km six-lane greenfield highway from Ahilyanagar to Hasapur, with an estimated cost of ₹8,254.45 crore. It also includes the operation and maintenance of existing stretches connecting Walunj Junction, Chapadgaon, Tembhurni, Solapur, and Akkalkot.

Package 2 (Adgaon to Ahilyanagar): This package covers a 152 km six-lane greenfield highway from the NH-60 junction at Adgaon to Ahilyanagar. Valued at ₹6,890.55 crore, it also includes the operation, maintenance, and tolling of existing stretches passing through Nashik, Sinnar, Nandur Shingote, and Kolhar.

Role of the Independent Engineer

The selected consultancy firms will act as independent supervisors on behalf of NHAI. Their key responsibilities include:

Design Review: Ensuring designs comply with prescribed quality and safety standards.

Construction Oversight: Monitoring progress and conducting quality assurance checks during the 24-month construction period.

Operations & Maintenance: Supervising performance during the operational phase to ensure safety and service standards.

Dispute Resolution: Assisting in resolving technical and financial disputes between the authority and the concessionaire.

Focus on Technology and Safety

NHAI has mandated the use of advanced inspection technologies to ensure long-term durability. Independent Engineers will deploy tools such as Network Survey Vehicles (NSV) for surface assessment, Falling Weight Deflectometers (FWD) for pavement strength evaluation, and mobile bridge inspection units.

A dedicated Road Safety Expert will also be part of each team to ensure compliance with safety norms and international best practices.

The total assignment period is 48 months, including a 6-month development phase, 24 months of construction, and an initial 18-month operations and maintenance period.

Bidders must be registered on the INFRACON portal to be eligible. DeshBharat