Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Panel Pans Multi-Layered Sub-Contracting on NH-66 Projects
A government committee is unhappy with how highway projects are being built.
They've found that having too many sub-contractors leads to problems like poor quality roads and a lack of accountability.
The committee is especially concerned about the NH-66 highway in Kerala, where the roads are falling apart.
They want to limit how many sub-contractors are used and make sure everyone involved is responsible for the work.
Also, they are concerned that the approved costs and the actual awarded costs vary greatly.
They want to make sure the projects are done correctly.
Parliamentary panel criticizes multi-layered sub-contracting on highway projects.
Concerns raised over poor condition of NH-66 in Kerala, including road collapses and cracks.
Panel recommends limiting sub-contracting to one level with NHAI approval for further layers.
Large cost discrepancies between sanctioned and awarded costs on NH-66 projects are noted.
The committee wants to hold both main and sub-contractors legally responsible for quality.
- Who
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC), MoRTH, NHAI
- What
- Parliamentary panel criticizes multi-layered sub-contracting in highway projects, especially on NH-66 in Kerala.
- When
- Report released August 14, 2025.
- Where
- Kerala (NH-66)
- Why
- Due to diffusion of accountability, cost discrepancies, and quality compromises.
Parliamentary Panel Concerns
No opposing views present.
Accountability
Parliamentary Panel Concerns
Multi-layered sub-contracting leads to diffusion of accountability.
No opposing views present.
No opposing views were present within these documents.
Quality
Parliamentary Panel Concerns
Substandard construction and poor quality on NH-66.
No opposing views present.
No opposing views were present within these documents.
Cost Discrepancies
Parliamentary Panel Concerns
Large gaps between sanctioned and awarded costs.
No opposing views present.
No opposing views were present within these documents.
- Panel
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
- Highway
- NH-66
- Location
- Kerala
- Issue
- Multi-layered Sub-contracting
- Recommendation
- Limit sub-contracting to one level, require NHAI approval for further layers.
- Concern
- Poor quality, road collapses, cracks, cost discrepancies.
- Action
- Review of NH-66 projects
Sources
‘Unacceptable to charge toll with safety, traffic issues’—House panel bats for new road tariff authority
Why pay toll for highways that don't offer what they promise?
Parliament panel raises ‘perpetual tolling’, seeks new tariff authority