Citing “critical lapses” that occurred due to lack of due diligence, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued new directives to enhance oversight on National Highway (NH) works carried out by state public works departments and road construction departments (PWDs/RCDs). The new directive has significantly increased the role for the ministry’s regional officers (ROs) in the project lifecycle, from bid preparation to managing legal disputes. Along with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), state PWDs/RCDs are other key agencies who implement road projects for MoRTH. “It has come to the notice of the Ministry that in several projects pertaining to NH works implemented by State PWDs/RCDs, critical lapses have occured due to lack of due diligence…Such lack of due diligence has led to unnecessary contractual disputes, legal complexities and financial liabilities for the central government,” states the circular dated May 16, 2025. Story continues below this ad “It has also been observed that ROs are sometimes neither consulted nor involved during the bidding …