In order to enable faster execution of road projects and reduce unwarranted delays, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken several measures including delegation of powers to its Regional Officers (ROs). The NHAI has delegated power to the ROs, to hire equipment and labourers up to Rs. 10 lakhs per road project and has authorized them to demolish structures falling within the right – of – way of the road project. Due to lack of express provision in several existing contractual arrangements, such decisions would often be mired in unnecessary delays which adversely affected the operability of the road project. The NHAI has instructed the ROs to record video evidence of such obstructive structures prior to their demolition.
Recently, NHAI has also delegated power to ROs to construct foot – over bridges under 'change of scope' contractual provisions of up to Rs. 80 lakhs and for increasing lanes of road projects from 4 to 6 of up to Rs. 1 crores respectively. Further the ROs have been delegated the power to maintain highways and to conduct urgent repair works of up to Rs. 1 crore respectively. ROs have also been delegated the power in certain situations, to shift transmission lines / electric lines and water pipelines / other utilities up to Rs. 10 crores and Rs. 5 crores respectively.
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