NHAI is going to bring an all-inclusive performance assessment system for the concessionaires that construct and maintain National Highways. It will further help in the enhancement of accountability, quality control, and operational efficiency so that users get better infrastructure and a safer experience in traveling. NHAI is going to set a new benchmark in highway maintenance, transparency, and quality work through this new rating methodology.
NHAI’s New Rating System: A Step Towards Enhanced Accountability
The rating system of NHAI will analyze concessionaires on two parameters: Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and defects compliance on the NHAI One App. The biannual rating assessments will ensure highways are being maintained effectively with ratings from concessionaires in their respective performances.
It has mainly focused on the following aspects:
Pavement Condition Index (PCI): 80% of the total score.
Defect Rectification Compliance: 20% of the total score.
By including both quality and defect rectification in the assessment, the NHAI ensures that concessionaires maintain high standards throughout their projects.
Understanding the Pavement Condition Index (PCI)
The PCI is a scientific metric ranging from 0 to 100 that measures the condition of the pavement. The index reflects the overall health of the highway, ranging from “Excellent” to “Failed.” The assessment of PCI is based on six key functional parameters as follows:
Roughness
Potholes
Cracking
Ravelling
Rut Depth
Patchwork
All of these parameters are evaluated with the latest technologies, including Laser Crack Measurement Systems (LCMS) and Network Survey Vehicles (NSV), which ensure proper and updated data regarding pavement conditions. NHAI sends specific teams for monitoring the assessment to maintain the guidelines of Indian Roads Congress (IRC) 82:2023.
Defect Compliance through NHAI One App
NHAI One App plays a crucial role in monitoring and rectifying over 95 highway defects. The digital platform enables concessionaires to notify, track, and resolve issues in real-time. The app improves operational efficiency and contributes to ratings by providing data on defect rectification compliance.
In any case, concessionaires must still achieve high scores in complying with rectifications of defects. All such effectiveness and timeliness would then figure in the computation of general performance ratings.
Performance Ratings: Effects on Concessionaires
NHAI’s performance rating system introduces stern consequences for concessionaires from their ratings. Those getting less than 70 percent out of 100 are being termed as “non performers” and will lose the right to access new National Highway projects unless their rating improves. Thus, this policy will not allow inefficient contractors to stick to the national highways network.
The ratings will be evaluated at two levels :
Individual Project Level: The evaluation will be made for each specific highway project.
Concessionaire Level: The performance of the combined projects under a concessionaire will also be taken in the assessment.
Both scores will be viewed at every six months with the NSV survey cycle.
Advantages of the NHAI Performance Assessment System
This rating system comes with various benefits for the NHAI and highway users:
Transparency: It is available on the website and social media channels of the NHAI, which allows the public to view the ratings and ensures transparency about the performance of concessionaires.
Quality: The accountability of the concessionaires on the quality of their work will encourage better standards in construction and maintenance on the National Highways.
Safer Highways: Systematic checks and rectifications will result in well-maintained highways and reduce accidents and danger for road users.
Incentive for Excellence: Performance-based Contracting will give an incentive for excellence. It will induce concessionaires to improve quality and thus to be at par in acquiring future concessions.
Conclusion
The introduction of the performance assessment system by the NHAI for concessionaires is a significant step in improving the quality of National Highways in India. Leveraging advanced technologies such as PCI and NHAI One App, the authority will ensure consistent and high-quality construction and maintenance. This initiative will lift the standards of highway infrastructure, making travel smoother and safer for all users.
With accountability at the heart of the new rating system, it is destined to be a critical tool in ensuring the integrity of India’s highway network. Being transparent and performance-driven will enhance the operational efficiency, while focusing on long-term quality improvement will encourage concessionaires.
Refer :
PIB, Link to article
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