The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a new performance assessment rating system for concessionaires. The system, designed to evaluate the construction and maintenance of National Highways, combines the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) with compliance data from the NHAI One App. This digital platform tracks over 95 defects, allowing for real-time monitoring and updates on repairs, further strengthening the evaluation process.
The performance evaluation will be based primarily on PCI, a scientific metric used to assess the condition of pavements. This index, which ranges from 0 to 100, measures pavement quality from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Failed’ as per the IRC 82:2023 guidelines. The calculation of PCI involves six key parameters: roughness, potholes, cracking, ravelling, rut depth, and patchwork. Advanced technologies, including Laser Crack Measurement Systems and Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs), will be used to gather accurate data. The data will then be processed and analyzed by agencies deployed centrally by NHAI. The performance rating will carry significant weight, with 80% of the evaluation based on PCI and 20% on defect repair compliance through the NHAI One App. Concessionaires will be rated on both an individual project level and an overall concessionaire level. The ratings will be reviewed every six months, in alignment with each NSV survey cycle, ensuring ongoing quality monitoring.
A crucial aspect of this rating system is its impact on concessionaires’ eligibility for future projects. Contractors who score below 70 out of 100 will be designated as ‘non-performers’. These companies will be barred from bidding for new National Highway projects until they improve their ratings. This move aims to foster greater responsibility among contractors and ensure high standards of construction and maintenance across India’s national highways. With this updated performance system, NHAI hopes to enhance transparency, improve road safety, and ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s infrastructure projects. The digital nature of the monitoring process adds a layer of accountability and efficiency, while the clear, data-driven evaluation will motivate concessionaires to maintain high-quality standards.