New Delhi, June 25 -- With arbitration claims nearing Rs.1 trillion as of March 2025 and hundreds of disputes pending, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is tightening its three-tier dispute resolution process. These claims account for roughly 40% of both NHAI's total liabilities and its Rs.2.5 trillion capex planned for FY25, highlighting the financial strain from unresolved conflicts.

In an internal order dated 12 June and seen by Mint, the state-run highway developer said some contractors were bypassing the Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) and directly approaching the Conciliation Committee of Independent Experts (CCIE), violating contract terms.

Going forward, NHAI will not consider CCIE conciliation requests unless the D...