Tender Announcement: Rehabilitation and Upgradation of NH-309A (Udiyari Bend to Kanda Road) – Uttarakhand

Introduction

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a formal tender for the rehabilitation and upgradation of a critical stretch of National Highway 309A in the state of Uttarakhand. This infrastructure initiative pertains to Package-I under the National Highways (Original) programme and involves the transformation of the Udiyari Bend to Kanda Road segment into a 2-lane configuration. The designated stretch spans from kilometre 73.66 to kilometre 103.25 (corresponding to existing chainage 80 to kilometre 110), located within the Nainital district.

This project is a strategic component of the government’s broader commitment to enhancing road connectivity, improving transport efficiency, and supporting regional development in the Himalayan terrain. The last date for bid submission is 6 October 2025, and interested parties are encouraged to review the tender documentation thoroughly before applying.

Eligibility Criteria: Who May Apply

1. Registered Contractors and Infrastructure Firms

Entities must be formally registered under Indian corporate or partnership laws and possess valid credentials to undertake public infrastructure projects. Specifically, applicants should have demonstrable experience in the construction, rehabilitation, or upgradation of national highways. This includes:

• Execution of similar road works under central or state government contracts
• Proven capacity to manage large-scale civil engineering projects
• Availability of qualified personnel, machinery, and technical resources

Preference will be given to firms that have previously operated in geotechnically challenging terrains, such as hilly regions, where slope stabilisation, drainage engineering, and environmental safeguards are critical.

2. Joint Ventures and Consortia

MoRTH permits participation through joint ventures (JVs) or consortia, provided all constituent entities meet the prescribed technical and financial criteria. Such collaborative bids must:

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each partner
• Submit a legally binding agreement outlining the JV structure
• Demonstrate collective experience and capacity equivalent to or exceeding that of a single eligible firm

Consortia must also ensure unified compliance with all regulatory, safety, and labour standards throughout the project lifecycle.

3. Valid Registration and Statutory Compliance

All applicants must hold valid registrations under applicable government norms, including:

• Registration with the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Public Works Department (PWD), or equivalent authorities
• GST registration and PAN (Permanent Account Number)
• Labour and environmental compliance certifications, where applicable

Additionally, firms must not be blacklisted or barred from participating in government tenders due to past violations or performance issues.

4. Financial and Technical Capacity

Applicants must possess robust financial health and technical capability to undertake the proposed works. This includes:

• Submission of audited financial statements for the past three financial years
• Minimum turnover and net worth thresholds as specified in the tender document
• Access to working capital and credit facilities to support project execution

Technical capacity will be assessed based on prior project experience, availability of qualified engineers and project managers, and access to modern construction equipment.

5. Experience in Hilly and Sensitive Regions

Given the location of the project in the Himalayan foothills, bidders must demonstrate prior experience in executing road works in hilly or geotechnically sensitive areas. This includes:

• Slope stabilisation and erosion control measures
• Construction of retaining walls, culverts, and drainage systems
• Adherence to environmental impact mitigation protocols

Such experience is vital to ensure the safety, durability, and sustainability of the upgraded highway segment.

6. Mandatory Compliance with Regulatory Norms

All participating entities must comply with national and state-level regulations governing public infrastructure projects. This includes:

• Environmental clearance and adherence to MoRTH’s Green Highway Guidelines
• Labour welfare provisions under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act
• Safety protocols for workers and road users during construction

Non-compliance with these norms may result in disqualification or termination of the contract post-award.

Application Procedure: How to Participate

Prospective bidders must follow the steps outlined below to ensure valid participation:

1. Access the Tender Document: The complete tender notice (TDR50788021) and associated documents are available for download via the official e-procurement portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
2. Review Corrigenda and Updates: Two corrigenda have been issued, dated 23 August 2025 (about technical drawings) and 29 August 2025 (related to bank guarantee requirements). Both updates confirm the revised bid submission deadline of 6 October 2025. Bidders must incorporate these changes into their technical proposals.
3. Prepare Technical and Financial Bids: Bids must be submitted in the prescribed format, including all mandatory enclosures such as bank guarantees, project execution plans, and financial statements. A separate evaluation will be conducted for technical and financial bids to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.
4. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A valid DSC is required for accessing and submitting bids electronically. Bidders without a DSC must obtain one from authorised providers before submission.
5. Submit Bids Before Deadline: All bids must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM IST on 6 October 2025. Late submissions will not be entertained under any circumstances.
6. Seek Bid Support if Required: Technical assistance and bidding support are available through the portal’s helpdesk for firms requiring guidance during the submission process.

Strategic Importance and Project Scope

The proposed rehabilitation and upgradation of NH-309A is expected to significantly improve road safety, reduce travel time, and facilitate smoother transport of goods and passengers across the region. Given the strategic location of the Udiyari Bend to Kanda Road corridor, the project will enhance connectivity between remote hill towns and major urban centres, thereby supporting tourism, trade, and emergency response capabilities.

The scope of work includes:

• Widening and strengthening of the existing carriageway
• Slope stabilisation and drainage improvements
• Installation of safety barriers and signage
• Environmental mitigation measures in accordance with MoRTH guidelines

This tender represents a vital opportunity for infrastructure firms to contribute to the development of Uttarakhand’s transport network under the aegis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. With a clear project scope, defined eligibility criteria, and a transparent bidding process, the rehabilitation of NH-309A invites capable contractors to engage in a project of national significance. Interested entities are advised to act promptly, ensuring compliance with all technical and financial requirements, and to monitor the official portal for any further updates or clarifications.

FAQs

1. What is the scope of this tender?

This tender pertains to the rehabilitation and upgradation of the Udiyari Bend to Kanda Road section of NH-309A, spanning from km 73.66 to km 103.25 (existing chainage 80 to km 110). The project involves converting the existing road into a 2-lane configuration, including structural improvements, slope stabilisation, drainage works, and safety installations under Package I of the NH(O) programme.

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered Indian contractors and infrastructure firms with experience in national highway projects
• Joint ventures or consortia meeting MoRTH’s technical and financial criteria
• Entities with valid registration under government norms and a proven track record in executing large-scale road works, particularly in hilly terrain

All applicants must comply with environmental, labour, and safety regulations.

3. What is the last date for bid submission?

The final date for electronic bid submission is 6 October 2025, by 5:00 PM IST. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

4. Where can I access the tender documents?

The complete tender notice (TDR50788021), including corrigenda and technical specifications, is available for download via the official e-procurement portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

5. Have there been any updates or corrigenda?

Yes. Two corrigenda have been issued:

• 23 August 2025 – Technical drawings update
• 29 August 2025 – Bank guarantee requirements update 

Both confirm the revised submission deadline of 6 October 2025.

6. Is a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) required?

Yes. A valid DSC is mandatory for accessing and submitting bids electronically. Bidders must ensure their DSC is active and registered with the e-procurement portal.

7. What are the key evaluation criteria?

Bids will be evaluated based on:

• Technical qualifications and prior experience
• Financial capacity and audited statements
• Compliance with MoRTH specifications and corrigenda
• Environmental and safety compliance
• Bid completeness and adherence to format

Separate assessments will be conducted for technical and financial bids.

8. Can consortia or joint ventures participate?

Yes. Consortia and joint ventures are permitted, provided they submit a legally binding agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and collective compliance with eligibility criteria. All partners must jointly meet the technical and financial thresholds.

9. What kind of experience is preferred?

Preference will be given to firms with prior experience in:

• National highway rehabilitation and upgradation
• Projects in hilly or geotechnically sensitive regions
• Slope stabilisation, retaining structures, and drainage engineering
• Compliance with MoRTH’s Green Highway Guidelines

10. What happens after the tender is awarded?

Post-award, the selected bidder will enter into a formal contract with MoRTH. This includes:

• Finalisation of documentation
• Mobilisation of resources
• Execution of works as per the approved design and schedule
• Monitoring and reporting in accordance with public infrastructure norms