Lok Sabha Question No. 3256 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-12
Subject: Poor Quality of Work due to Low Bids
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Subbarayan K, Com. Selvaraj V

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3256

ANSWERED ON 12 TH  MARCH, 2026

## POOR QUALITY OF WORK DUE TO LOW BIDS

3256.  COM. SELVARAJ V: SHRI SUBBARAYAN K:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there is a recent trend of road contractors quoting low bids of up to  forty-eight  per  cent  less  than  the  estimated  project  cost  largely  due  to aggressive bidding which usually has a direct bearing on the quality of work;
- (b)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  a  number  of  complaints  have  been  reported recently about  the collapse of  National  Highways  and  flyovers  under construction particularly in Kerala; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against the contractors in
- these cases?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

- (a)  Government  engages  contractors  for  project  works  implementation through a transparent and  competitive bidding process in accordance with the  prescribed  procurement  guidelines.  In  certain  cases,  bids  have  been received  at  rates  far  lower  than  the  estimated  project  cost  put  to  tender, primarily  due  to  competitive  market  conditions  and  aggressive  bidding strategies adopted by the bidders.

To  safeguard  the  interests  of  the  Government  and  to  ensure  that  quality standards are not compromised, suitable provisions have been incorporated in  the  bidding  documents  including  requirement  of  Additional  Performance

Security.  Further,  all  works  are  executed  strictly  in  accordance  with  the relevant codes/manuals prescribed. Independent Engineers/Authority Engineers and regular field inspections ensure supervision and adherence to quality standards at every stage of construction. Independent Quality Audit is  also  taken up in certain projects where required. Accordingly, necessary safeguards  are  in  place  to  ensure  that  competitive  bidding  does  not adversely impact the quality of National Highway works.

(b) & (c) The details of complaints /failure since 1.01.2025 are annexed.

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PART  (b)  AND  (C)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  3256  ANSWERED  ON  12 TH  MARCH,  2026  ASKED  BY COM.  SELVARAJ  V  AND  SHRI  SUBBARAYAN  K REGARDING  'POOR  QUALITY  OF WORK DUE TO LOW BIDS'.

|   Sl. No . | NH No.   | State   | Name of project                                  | Nature of Complaint                                                                                            | Reason(s) of failure                                                                                                                                                       | Action taken against contractor/ concessionaire                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|------------|----------|---------|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|          1 | 754 A    | Gujarat | Sanchor - Santalpur PKG-4 of NH- 754A in Gujarat | Ruts, cracks and surface deformation observed at several locations on the project highway during constructio n | Ruts, cracks and surface deformation/ Distress was observed recently after rains in June month 2025, severe rutting at some locations during the under Construction period | A monetary penalty of Rs. 2.8 Cr. on the Contractor along with a recommendation for debarment up to one year or until successful rectification, whichever is later. Contractor has taken up repair/ restoration works. Additionally, in view of public safety being compromised, the Contractor has been suspended from participating in any ongoing/future tenders for a period of one month or until full compliance with IRC/MoRTH standards and contractual provisions. |

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| 2   | NH- 6 (old NH- 44)   | 'Strengthening / improvement including regular maintenance work from Km 120.200 to 171.455 of the project Two Lane with paved shoulders configuration in Jowai- Meghalaya Assam Border Section of NH - 44 from Km 69.200 to Km 173.200 (Design Ch. 171.455 ) in the state of Meghalaya'   | VIP Reference regarding the poor quality of work on NH- 6- particularly the stretch at Kulang village. The Hon'ble MP has highlighted that the tar/paveme nt can be removed by hand, indicating gross negligence, poor execution, and the use of substandar d materials   | Poor Quality of overlaying leading to slippage of bituminous concrete for a length of approx. 10-15 mt. found   |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|-----|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 3   | 36                   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | by the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                 | The rectification have been by the However, Rs. 20,00,000/- imposed contractor tarnishing of NHAI.                                       | carried contractor. a                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|     |                      | 4-laning of Sethiyathope - Cholapuram section from km 65.960 to Km 116.440 of NH- 36                                                                                                                                                                                                      | Earth Retaining Structures                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Inadequate Geotechnical Investigation                                                                           | Penalty of Rs.18.05 was imposed on 14.01.2026 over the Concessionaire M/s. Infrastructure Further, a Penalty Rs.5.00 Lakh was on the IE, | Penalty of Rs.18.05 was imposed on 14.01.2026 over the Concessionaire M/s. Infrastructure Further, a Penalty Rs.5.00 Lakh was on the IE, | Penalty of Rs.18.05 was imposed on 14.01.2026 over the Concessionaire M/s. Infrastructure Further, a Penalty Rs.5.00 Lakh was on the IE, | Penalty of Rs.18.05 was imposed on 14.01.2026 over the Concessionaire M/s. Infrastructure Further, a Penalty Rs.5.00 Lakh was on the IE, |
|     |                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                 | Patel Ltd. 2. of imposed M/s. Engineering                                                                                                |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|     |                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | contractor.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|     |                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                 | 1.                                                                                                                                       |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|     |                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                 | Lakh                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |
|     |                      |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                          | Theme Services                                                                                                                           | Theme Services                                                                                                                           | Theme Services                                                                                                                           |
|     | (Madurai)            |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                                                          |

|    |    |                        |        |                                                               | Private                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|----|----|------------------------|--------|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 4  | 66 |                        | Others | Shotcrete thickness inadequate; nail spacing anchorage length | Limited. NHAI suspended the Concessionaire and its promoter M/s. Megha Engineering & Infrastructure ltd. to participate in future bidding for 01-month period or till Concessionaire proposes remedial measures including rectification of designs of slope protection works with proper geophysical/ geotechnical, studies and demonstrate that such incidence will not repeat at other slope protection locations in the project reach whichever is later. Further, Settlement was |
|    |    | Chengala- Neeleshwaram |        | large; insufficient; drainage behind wall inadequate.         | Agreement executed on 19.02.2026 between NHAI and Concessionaire. As per para 3.1.2 (b) of SA-2, the Concessionaire shall be solely responsible for slope protection works and to construct and rectify the defective works at its own risk & cost. The Concessionaire/ Promoter self- restrained themselves                                                                                                                                                                         |

|    |    |        |                |        | till date. Concessionaire agreed to pay 5% of current value of failed work as per Policy Circular dt.06.10.2021 of MoRTH & 16.11.2021 of NHAI. Concessionaire also agreed to comply with the recommendations of Expert Group and complete rectification works at their own cost.   |
|----|----|--------|----------------|--------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5  | 66 | Kerala | Neeleshwaram - | Others | Show Cause Notice issued to Concessionaire on 25.07.2025. Settleme nt Agreement executed on 19.02.2026 between NHAI and Concessionaire, as per para 3.1.2 (b) of Concessionaire be solely for slope works to and remedy defective works its own risk & cost.                       |
|    |    |        |                |        | the at                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|    |    |        |                |        | The                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|    |    |        |                |        | Promoter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|    |    |        |                |        | restrained                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
|    |    |        |                |        | Concessionaire/ self- themselves                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|    |    |        | Thaliparambha  |        | protection construct                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |
|    |    |        |                |        | shall                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|    |    |        |                |        | SA-2,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|    |    |        |                |        | responsible                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|    |    |        |                |        | from participating in                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
|    |    |        |                |        | the bids of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|    |    |        |                |        | Authority/ Implementing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|    |    |        |                |        | Agencies of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|    |    |        |                |        | MoRTH till Concessionaire                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|    |    |        |                |        | date. agreed to pay 5%                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
|    |    |        |                |        | current value of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|    |    |        |                |        | of failed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
|    |    |        |                |        | work as per                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|    |    |        |                |        | Policy Circular dt.06.10.2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |

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|    |    |                            |                            |        | 16.11.2021 agreed to the of Expert complete works at cost.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    | of NHAI. Concessionaire also comply with recommendations Group and rectification their own                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
|----|----|----------------------------|----------------------------|--------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|  6 | 66 |                            | Azhiyur- Vengalam          | Others | Substandard work execution & poor workmanship                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | A Show Cause Notice dated 31.07.2024 was issued to Concessionaire. Further, another Show Cause Notice dated 07.01.2026 was issued to Concessionaire for other defaults. In response to the Show Cause Notice, the Concessionaire submitted the reply dated 21.01.2026. Personal hearing was given to Concessionaire on 10.02.2026. Final order is to be passed. |
|  7 | 66 | Ramanattukara- Valancherry | Earth Retaining Structures |        | RE wall design inadequate for saturated soils; poor compaction; missing filter media. Debarment issued to M/s. construction debarment year + penalty of Current failed work or Contract value whole whichever more. Concessionaire & IE have Delhi High against such Viaduct is constructed with contractor's | notice KNR Ltd. for upto 1 of 5% value of 0.5% of of work is approached Court action. being                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |

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|    |       |                 |                                                                            |                                               | own Cr.                                                                                  | expense of Rs 80                                                                                                                                 | expense of Rs 80                                                        | expense of Rs 80                                     |
|----|-------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
|  8 | 66    | Kerala          | Aroor to Thuravoor Thekku                                                  | Flyover                                       | Malfunctionin g of jack Key and                                                          | personnel Contractor and have been from the project debarred years. Committee's decision not received.                                           |                                                                         | of AE removed work for 3 Expert final yet            |
|  9 | 66    | Kerala          | Thuravoor to Paravoor                                                      | Bridges                                       | Delay in cross girder casting and lapse in execution. NHAI, safe of the of and have from | imposed penalty of Lakhs for construction works and a action in the the public for safe the officials of two Authority been terminated the site. | Rs. ensuring Authority construction work. Contractor officials Engineer | a 15.35 of of deterrent interest and ensuring Two of |
| 10 | 966 A | Kerala NH       | connectivity to ICTT at Vallarpadam from Kalamassery to Vallarpadam Others | Substandard work execution & poor workmanship | Penalty of Cr was the Contractor.                                                        |                                                                                                                                                  | Rs. imposed                                                             | 30.74 on                                             |
| 11 | 66    | Kerala          | Kodugallur to Edapppally                                                   | Others work execution poor                    | Substandard & workmanship The has with debarment.                                        | Concessionaire been a                                                                                                                            | penalized one-year                                                      |                                                      |
| 12 | 66    | Kerala Kollam m | to Kdambattukona Bridges                                                   | Staging issue & improper supervision          | Penalty Lakh imposed Concessionaire the has services                                     | of has Concessionaire terminated of                                                                                                              | Rs.                                                                     | 9.55 been on and the their                           |

|    |    |                |                                                                                                                                                                                             |                            |                                                                         | Engineer responsible.                                                                         |
|----|----|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 13 | 66 |                |                                                                                                                                                                                             | Earth Retaining Structures | Deep-Seated Shear Failure (Rotational Slide); Bearing Capacity Failure. | The Concessionaire has been debarred for 01 month or till submission of investigation report. |
| 14 | 45 | Madhya Pradesh | Construction of 4-lane from Manegaon to NH-45, from design Ch. 19.050 to design Ch. 39.180 (Jabalpur Ring Road, Pkg-2) under Bharatmala Pariyojana in the State of Madhya Pradesh EPC Mode. | Bridges                    | Staging issue and improper supervision                                  | Rs. 1 Cr. penalty imposed to EPC Contractor M/s NKC Projects Pvt. Ltd.                        |

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