NHAI Eases Equipment Mobilisation Requirements under PBMC RFPs

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), vide Policy Circular bearing reference no. 9.4.36/2026 dated September 18, 2026 (the “Circular”), has modified the equipment mobilisation requirements under the Standard RFP for Performance Based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC) for O&M works. The Circular provides bidders with an alternative mechanism to demonstrate availability of specified mechanised equipment at the bidding stage.

The Standard PBMC RFP, circulated by NHAI vide Policy Circular No. 9.4.25/2023 dated August 7, 2023, was subsequently amended vide Policy Circular No. 9.4.32/2025 dated November 8, 2025, to include the Automatic Pothole Filling, Compacting & Patching Machine and Mechanized Road Sweeping Machine, with specifications as prescribed in the NHAI Maintenance Manual.

The Circular notes that prospective bidders had raised difficulties in procuring or leasing these high-investment and technologically advanced machines during the bidding stage. Accordingly, bidders may now submit either (i) scanned evidence of availability of the equipment, whether owned, leased or rented, or (ii) an undertaking in the prescribed format committing to mobilize the equipment within the stipulated period.

Under the prescribed undertaking, the bidder is required to procure and mobilize the specified equipment at the project site within 30 days from the Appointed Date. The equipment must comply with the specifications under the NHAI Maintenance Manual, 2025 and be deployed in operational conditions for carrying out maintenance activities in accordance with the RFP and PBMC Agreement.

Failure to mobilize the equipment within the stipulated period will be dealt with in accordance with the PBMC Agreement, including termination of the Contract. In the case of a Joint Venture, all members will be jointly and severally liable for the undertaking.

All other provisions of the RFP remain unchanged.