The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continues to put out substantial infrastructure tenders which indicates a focus on technology, compliance, and longevity. The tenders announced lately consist of six-lining of NH-2 (NH-44 and NH-19) in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, overlays on NH-48 (Surat to Vapi, Gujarat), maintenance jobs on NH-31 in Bihar, and erosion commands on the Kiratpur–Manali stretch of NH-03 in Himachal Pradesh. NHAI is using tenders to encourage operational excellence in the form of management of toll plazas, leasing commercial facilities, and management of user fee collection.
Learning from Past Successful Bids
Reviewing previously awarded projects yields a wealth of information. A good example was the Shamlaji–Motachiloda Six-Laning Project in Gujarat (2024). In that case, the winning bidder, Apex Tarmac Pvt. Ltd., did not only provide a highly competitive price but it also had digital measures such as drone surveys and AI measures to quality control . The lifecycle cost model and advanced pavement designs were also advantages in their bid. Correspondingly, maintenance projects on NH-18 and NH-33 proved that good logistics planning, thorough documentation of QA/QC, and advance risk management were key differentiators.
Key Strategies for Winning 2025 Tenders
To succeed in current NHAI tenders, bidders should focus on:
- Technical Depth: A design that considers the site-specific terrain, weather and temperature conditions, and traffic conditions.
- Digital Readiness: Offers e-reporting, GPS tracking of materials and machines, helicopter or drone, and AI monitoring.
- Lifecycle Costing: The need to focus on durability and savings in maintenance and not just the initial construction cost.
- Compliance and Resourcing Assurance: Show proof of workforce, machinery, EHS compliance, and contingency plans.
- Prior Track Record: Identify 2-3 NHAI projects completed that identify quantified metrics required.
- Risk Mitigation: Anticipate land acquisition, environmental, and logistical challenges to projects and offer a solution upfront.
Conclusion
NHAI is now progressively rewarding bids that achieve a balance of cost with innovation, technical capability, and readiness for operations. Bidders who utilize past project learnings, implement digital compliance solutions, and commit to robust compliance and risk mitigation measures can augment their likelihood of securing tenders in 2025. Quality, transparency, and lifecycle value are now in focus - and not simply the lowest upfront price.
