NHAI using substandard materials in construction of highways, bridges

NHAI projects have faced issues with the use of substandard materials, leading to significant safety concerns and infrastructure failures, as evidenced by reports of high phosphorus and sulfur in steel and structural defects in highways, bridges and tunnels  in Jammu and Kashmir.  Despite NHAI has been implementing stricter quality control measures, such as enhanced third-party testing, a multi-level quality control system, and a move away from the “One-Time Source Approval” system for manufacturers to improve transparency and ensure adherence to standards, but all in vain. NHAI  had issued show-cause notices in January this year to steel manufacturers because third-party tests revealed their reinforcement bars failed to meet IS:1786 standards. The steel contained excessive levels of phosphorus and sulfur, which compromise its strength and durability.  Reports highlight instances of widespread cracking in concrete slabs and structural deformations in projects. The poor quality of materials used in highway and bridge construction directly impacts their structural integrity, creating safety risks and potentially leading to premature failure.  The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway NH-44, is  known as critical all-weather lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, vital for economic activity and connectivity, but it is frequently disrupted  due  to landslides and heavy rainfall since August 7, 2025. Its importance is high for  Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, especially during the  present fruit season. Both Udhampur and Ramban sections have become notorious for its poor condition, frequent landslides, and routine closures even during the clear weather causing immense hardship to  commuters and disrupting connectivity in the region.  The Jammu-Pathankot,Jammu Srinagar and  Jammu-Poonch condition of the road remains far from satisfactory. The  ain reason behind is poor quality of construction, substandard materials used construction of highways, bridges by NHAI  and the lack of regular maintenance have left the highway vulnerable to fast deterioration.  A journey on highways in J&K  has turned into a nightmare for the commuters by the NHAI. The poor maintenance of the Jammu-Pathankot  Highway road by the NHAI is said to be the reason of this frustration and chaos. The commuters are getting trapped  for j hours since 2019. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)  is facing with a challenging situation to keep the highways open in view of major damages at several places d ue to use of substandard materisl in constructions of roads, bridges in J&K.  The corruption in the NHAI has increased many a fold the reason best knwon to the Union Surface and transports ministry after 2014. If NHAI will continue with the same speed It will take  five to ten  years to complete  Jammu-Pathnakot 10 kms stretch.  It may be recalled that in September this year, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has flagged cases of “non-compliance” by  NHAI where its advice was substantially diluted in corruption cases, according to its latest annual report.  What is wrong with NHAI? Central govt as well as the union transport and Surface ministry  are ignoring what the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is doing wrong. Many things, which can be classified into three sets of problems  fundamental flaws, corruption and policy problems. Bad design and planning are pervasive across all projects of NHAI in Himalayan Region of Jammu and Kashmir.  Bad execution is of two types  one, quality control is bad and second, the necessary planned infrastructure is not constructed. The World Economic Forum reports rank India below 50 in quality of road survey. If actual quality is tested, we will fare far worse. Highways have fared worse in terms of quality primarily because of selection of construction contractors. However, construction contracts award corruption is well known and the modus operandi has in fact shamefully become a standard operating procedure for procurement process by Centre government body (NHAI).