'Citizens can't be deprived...': HC allows NHAI to end contract of firm 'holding up' Delhi-Mumbai e-way, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Delhi High Court allowed NHAI to terminate the contract with Roadways Solutions India Infra Limited (RSIIL) for delaying the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project.
• The 1,386-km Expressway, costing Rs 1.04 lakh crore, faced delays due to the non-completion of an 87-km stretch in Gujarat by RSIIL.
• The court restrained NHAI from encashing Rs 100 crore in insurance surety bonds and bank guarantees but permitted the termination notice issued on December 23, 2025.
• A division bench overturned a single judge's order that had restrained NHAI from acting against RSIIL.

Detailed Insights:

• RSIIL was initially awarded three stretches in 2021, but two were scrapped in March 2023 due to delays and re-awarded to the same company in November 2023.
• After almost four years, RSIIL completed less than 50% of the 87 km stretch, leading to NHAI's decision to terminate the contract.
• RSIIL had issued a notice on December 18 to terminate the contract, alleging that NHAI failed to provide contiguous land for construction.
• The court noted that it cannot grant unwarranted indulgence to a contractor, especially when the contractor itself sought termination.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the injunction against NHAI was against national interest, delaying the infrastructure project.
• The court permitted NHAI to issue a fresh notice inviting tender (NIT) if deemed urgent, while arbitration proceedings between NHAI and RSIIL are ongoing.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): An autonomous agency of the Government of India responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.
• Notice Inviting Tender (NIT): A formal invitation to potential contractors to submit bids for a specific project or service.
• Arbitration: A form of alternative dispute resolution where a neutral third party helps resolve a disagreement outside of court.