To improve the quality and monitoring standards of National Highway projects, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a significant policy update. Consultancy firms can now assign a maximum of 10 projects per Engineer for supervision roles, whether under Independent Engineer, Authority Engineer, or Supervision Consultant categories.
This new guideline is designed to enhance accountability and ensure that project engineers are not overburdened, which has previously led to compromised compliance with technical specifications and contract conditions. The designated engineer is central to enforcing quality standards and contractual obligations, and overassignment has negatively affected performance monitoring and on-site supervision.
The revised policy also introduces updated clauses in consultancy guidelines for highway projects implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) models. These include clearer instructions on the appointment of engineers and delegation of responsibilities.
As per the new regulation, each designated engineer must visit their assigned project sites at least once a month and contribute to the Monthly Progress Report, as required by the civil and consultancy contract provisions.
This restriction will come into effect 60 days from the date of notification, giving consultancy firms adequate time to reorganize their workforce and align with the new framework.
By limiting the number of projects per engineer, NHAI aims to improve operational efficiency, promote high-quality highway infrastructure, and ensure a safer and smoother experience for road users across India.
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