MoRTH Adopts Flexible Bidding Rules for Highway Projects

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that single bids for national highway projects will be considered valid, provided the procurement process was sufficiently advertised and competitive. The evaluation committee will assess bid reasonableness by comparing them to market values and similar past contracts.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced new regulations on Wednesday, stating that a single bid for national highway projects will now be considered if it meets reasonable criteria.

According to the circular, the bidding process will not be invalidated if there is only one bidder for a highway project, as long as the procurement process was adequately advertised and allowed sufficient time for submissions. The criteria for qualification should also not be restrictive, and the submitted prices should be deemed reasonable in comparison to market values.

Regarding price reasonableness, the circular elaborated that the evaluation committee will compare rates with similar contracts awarded elsewhere. The committee may update the purchase price in consideration of inflation and geographical conditions, ensuring that the prices are fair and justified.

(With inputs from agencies.)