Highway Construction Tenders in India 2026: Market Opportunities, Key Buyers & How to Win
India's highway construction sector is one of the largest government procurement verticals in the country, with the Union Budget 2025–26 allocating ₹2.71 lakh crore to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways alone. With over 37,000 km of National Highway projects currently under execution and NHAI inviting bids on highway packages totalling 2,188 km at an estimated capital cost of ₹1.15 lakh crore in FY26, the opportunity pipeline for contractors, EPC firms, and civil works specialists has never been more substantial. This guide covers the market landscape, top tender-issuing organisations, procurement models, state-wise hotspots, and a step-by-step participation roadmap for highway construction tenders in India.
Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Infrastructure Market Size | USD 79.69 billion (≈ ₹6,63,000 crores) (2025) | Mordor Intelligence |
| Growth Rate | 7.49% CAGR (2026–2031) | Mordor Intelligence |
| Projected Market by 2031 | USD 122.91 billion | Mordor Intelligence |
| Active Tenders on TenderDekho | 38+ (as of May 2026) | TenderDekho |
| Avg. Tender Value (Major EPC/HAM) | ₹300–₹1,500 crores | NHAI/MoRTH data |
| Top Issuing Agency | NHAI (under MoRTH) | Government of India |
This guide will walk you through who issues these tenders, the types of contracts available, the states with the highest volumes, and exactly how to qualify and bid successfully.
Market Overview & Growth Potential
Current Landscape
India's transportation infrastructure construction market was valued at USD 79.69 billion (approximately ₹6,63,000 crores) in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 85.66 billion in 2026, according to Mordor Intelligence (2025 data). The government's Bharatmala Phase-I programme has already awarded over 26,000 km of highway projects, with close to 19,800 km completed so far and cumulative spending crossing ₹4.9 lakh crore, according to DD News (2025 data). This sustained public investment makes highway construction one of the most reliable and high-volume tender categories across all of Indian government procurement.
Key Growth Drivers
1. Union Budget Allocation
- What it means: Record capital outlay creates a sustained pipeline of new packages for contractors and EPC firms.
- Data point: The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹2.71 lakh crore to MoRTH for roads, expressways, and National Highway development, according to IBEF (2025 data).
2. Bharatmala Phase-II Launch
- What it means: A fresh wave of greenfield expressways and economic corridors will generate thousands of crores in new EPC and HAM tender packages through 2028 and beyond.
- Data point: Bharatmala Phase-II is scheduled for launch in 2026, targeting 50 new national highway projects (estimated).
3. HAM and PPP Model Expansion
- What it means: The Hybrid Annuity Model reduces upfront capital requirements for contractors, enabling mid-sized firms to compete for larger packages.
- Data point: Highway awards in FY 2024–25 reached 8,500 km, with 60% following the HAM model that spreads revenue risk between public and private partners, according to Mordor Intelligence (2025 data).
4. BIM Adoption and Digital Procurement
- What it means: MoRTH mandates Building Information Modelling on every project worth more than USD 12 million, raising quality standards and creating opportunities for digitally capable firms.
- Data point: PM Gati Shakti portal cut inter-ministerial clearance times for logistics parks from 18 to 9 months by December 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence (2025 data).
5. Northeast and Border Road Connectivity
- What it means: NHIDCL and BRO manage over 16,000 km of strategic highways in the Northeast and border regions, issuing a continuous stream of EPC tenders in less-contested geographies.
- Data point: 16,207 km of National Highways have been constructed in the Northeast as of July 2025, according to IBEF (2025 data).
Year-on-Year Market Projection
| Year | Transport Infra Market (USD Billion) | Approx. ₹ Crores | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 74.20 (est.) | ~6,17,000 | — |
| 2025 | 79.69 | ~6,63,000 | 7.4% |
| 2026 | 85.66 | ~7,13,000 | 7.5% |
| 2028 (Proj.) | 98.90 | ~8,23,000 | 7.5% |
| 2031 (Proj.) | 122.91 | ~10,23,000 | 7.5% |
Source: Mordor Intelligence, India Transportation Infrastructure Construction Market Report, 2025 data
This consistent expansion translates directly into a growing volume of highway construction tenders, particularly under Bharatmala, PMGSY rural roads, and state highway widening programmes.
Major Tender-Issuing Organisations
Highway construction tenders in India are issued by a well-defined set of central agencies, state bodies, and specialised PSUs. Understanding which agency issues which type of contract is essential to targeting the right opportunities.
Top Departments & Organisations
| Rank | Organisation | Sector | Est. Annual Tenders | Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NHAI | National Highways | 500–800 | ₹200–₹1,500 crores |
| 2 | MoRTH (State PWD route) | NH via State PWDs | 300–500 | ₹50–₹500 crores |
| 3 | NHIDCL | Border/NE Highways | 100–200 | ₹100–₹800 crores |
| 4 | BRO (Border Roads Organisation) | Strategic/Border Roads | 80–150 | ₹10–₹200 crores |
| 5 | State PWDs (MP, UP, Maharashtra etc.) | State Highways | 1,000+ | ₹5–₹200 crores |
| 6 | CPWD | Central Government Roads | 50–100 | ₹5–₹100 crores |
| 7 | RIDCOR / State Road Corporations | State toll roads | 50–100 | ₹20–₹300 crores |
1. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
- Focus: NHAI manages over 50,000 km of National Highways and is the single largest issuer of highway construction tenders in India
- Procurement models: EPC (Engineering Procurement Construction), HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model), BOT-Toll, BOT-Annuity, and O&M contracts
- Recent example: Four-laning of Ujjain–Jhalawar Section of NH-552G (Pkg 3), Madhya Pradesh, on HAM mode — NHAI/2025–26
- Portal: etenders.gov.in (NHAI e-Procurement)
2. NHIDCL — National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation
- Focus: Responsible for over 16,000 km of National Highways in the Northeast and border states; issues EPC and item-rate contracts for strategic road connectivity
- Key geographies: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, J&K, Uttarakhand
- Portal: nhidcl.com and etenders.gov.in
3. Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
- Focus: Constructs and maintains strategic roads in border areas and difficult terrains; tenders are less competed due to logistical requirements
- Key advantage: Government-backed mobilisation support for contractors in remote areas
- Portal: bro.gov.in
All three central agencies, along with State PWDs, publish tenders on the central e-procurement portal. Browse active highway construction tenders from all major buyers to track opportunities across all agencies in one place.
Types of Highway Construction Tenders
Highway construction procurement in India covers a wide spectrum of works — from full greenfield expressways to maintenance of existing NH stretches. Understanding which sub-category fits your firm's capability determines your eligibility and competition level.
Category Comparison
| Type | Market Share (Est.) | Typical Value | Complexity | Key Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPC Highway Construction | 40% | ₹100–₹2,000 crores | High | NHAI, MoRTH |
| HAM Concession Projects | 25% | ₹300–₹1,500 crores | Very High | NHAI |
| O&M / Maintenance Contracts | 15% | ₹10–₹200 crores | Medium | NHAI, State PWD |
| Bridges, Flyovers & Underpasses | 10% | ₹20–₹500 crores | High | NHAI, CPWD, State PWD |
| Rural Roads (PMGSY) | 7% | ₹1–₹20 crores | Low–Medium | State PWDs, NRRDA |
| Tunnels & Mountain Roads | 3% | ₹200–₹3,000 crores | Very High | NHIDCL, BRO, NHAI |
EPC Highway Construction (40% of Tenders)
Under EPC mode, a single contractor is responsible for design, procurement, and construction. This is the most common mode for National Highway works above ₹100 crore.
What's typically procured:
- Earthwork, grading, and sub-base construction
- Flexible pavement (bituminous) and rigid pavement (PQC/DLC)
- Drainage structures, culverts, and retaining walls
- Road furniture: signage, crash barriers, road markings
- Service roads, underpasses, and vehicular underpasses (VUPs)
Common specifications:
- Standard: IRC (Indian Roads Congress) specifications and MoRTH Standard Data Book
- Quantity: Typical stretch: 20–100 km per package
- Delivery: 24–36 months construction + 5-year defect liability period
Pricing range: ₹15–₹25 crore per km for 4-laning on EPC mode (estimated)
HAM Concession Projects (25% of Tenders)
Under HAM, the government bears 40% of project cost upfront and the concessionaire funds the remaining 60% through debt, recovering it via annuity payments over the concession period. HAM projects require strong balance sheets, prior EPC experience, and bank financing capability — they are best suited for mid-to-large civil contractors.
What's typically procured:
- Complete greenfield highway sections or upgrade from 2-lane to 4-lane/6-lane
- Full O&M responsibility during the concession period (15–20 years)
- Toll plaza operation and traffic management systems
O&M and Maintenance Contracts (15% of Tenders)
Maintenance contracts are the most accessible category for smaller contractors. NHAI issues hundreds of O&M tenders annually for toll plaza operation, periodic renewal, and routine upkeep.
What's typically procured:
- Pothole repairs, re-carpeting, and shoulder maintenance
- Toll fee collection agency services
- Highway nests (wayside amenities) operation and management
- Structural health monitoring of bridges
Pricing range: ₹5–₹150 crores per maintenance package
Where the Opportunities Are: State-Wise Distribution
Highway construction tender volume is not evenly spread across India. States with active national highway corridors, high vehicular density, and large infrastructure programmes consistently generate the most tender opportunities.
Top States for Highway Construction Tenders
| Rank | State | Est. Tender Volume | Key Corridors | Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maharashtra | Very High | NH-48, NH-53, Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway | 257 NH projects cleared (2021–25) |
| 2 | Uttar Pradesh | Very High | NH-27, NH-29, NH-30, Purvanchal Expressway | 120 NH projects cleared; highest road traffic density |
| 3 | Rajasthan | High | NH-48, NH-148N, Delhi–Mumbai Expressway | Bharatmala corridor density |
| 4 | Gujarat | High | NH-48, Surat–Valsad–Vapi, Vadhavan Port access | Port connectivity + Bharatmala |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | High | NH-44, NH-48, Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway | Industrial growth + port links |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh | High | NH-552G, NH-46, NH-52 | Landlocked highway upgrade push |
| 7 | Telangana / Andhra Pradesh | Medium–High | NH-65, NH-365BG | Hyderabad metro-region expansion |
| 8 | Northeast States (via NHIDCL) | Medium | Manipur, Arunachal, Assam NH network | NE connectivity programme |
Sources: Tribune India (2025 data), Mordor Intelligence (2025 data), NHAI project pipeline
Regional Highlights
North India:
- Uttar Pradesh leads in NHAI tender volume nationally with hundreds of active maintenance and construction packages on NH-27, NH-29, and Varanasi–Gorakhpur corridors
- Rajasthan is a key Bharatmala hub — the Delhi–Vadodara Access Controlled Greenfield Alignment (NH-148N) alone has generated multiple packages worth thousands of crores
- Explore Uttar Pradesh highway construction tenders to track the latest UP opportunities
West India:
- Maharashtra topped all states with 257 National Highway projects cleared in the four-year period to 2025, according to Tribune India (2025 data)
- Gujarat benefits from port-driven demand — Surat–Valsad–Vapi sections and Vadhavan Port access roads are generating active EPC packages
- Find highway tenders in Maharashtra for current active listings
South India:
- Tamil Nadu (106 projects in the four-year review period) and Telangana/Andhra Pradesh are high-activity zones, driven by industrial corridor development and the Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway
- Karnataka's NH-7 Bengaluru stretch and NH-209 are under active safety improvement and widening tenders
East & Northeast India:
- NHIDCL issues EPC contracts for strategic border highways in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam — these are less competed and often offer better margins for firms with remote mobilisation capability
- Rajasthan highway tenders are among the highest-value Bharatmala packages
How to Participate in Highway Construction Tenders
Highway construction procurement in India follows a structured, multi-stage process across NHAI's e-tendering portal and the central CPPP (eProcure.gov.in). Here is the complete participation roadmap.
Phase 1: Registrations & Setup
| Registration | Timeline | Cost | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST Registration | 7–10 days | Free | gstin.gov.in |
| MSME/Udyam Registration | 1–2 days | Free | udyamregistration.gov.in |
| Digital Signature Certificate (Class 3 DSC) | 2–3 days | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | Authorised CA |
| eProcure/CPPP Portal Registration | 1 day | Free | etenders.gov.in |
| GeM Seller Registration | 3–5 days | Free | gem.gov.in |
| EPF Registration (if employing workers) | 7–10 days | Free | epfindia.gov.in |
If you are new to government procurement, TenderDekho's GeM seller registration service can guide you through the setup process for central government portals.
Required certifications and documents for highway tenders:
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System (for large packages above ₹500 crore)
- Contractor registration with respective State PWD (for state highway tenders)
- EPF compliance certificates for all workers deployed
- NHAI empanelment (for repeat participation in NHAI tenders)
Phase 2: Finding the Right Tenders
Shortlist checklist before bidding:
- Minimum average annual turnover met (typically 30–50% of estimated project cost over last 3 years)
- Similar completed works experience verified (EPC: 40% of estimated cost in last 3–5 years)
- Class 3 DSC in hand for e-submission
- Equipment availability — graders, pavers, rollers, batching plants
- Working capital for mobilisation (typically 10–15% of contract value)
- Geography and logistics feasibility confirmed
Discover highway construction tender opportunities updated daily with filters for state, value, and issuing agency.
Key platform features for highway tenders:
- State filter — Focus on high-volume states like Maharashtra, UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Value filter — Match tender size to your working capital and bonding capacity
- Tender history — Benchmark past award prices to price competitively
- Email alerts — Get notified instantly when new highway packages are published
Phase 3: Bid Preparation
Technical proposal must include:
- Company profile and highway project experience statement
- Experience certificates for similar completed works (notarised)
- Equipment ownership or lease agreements for key plant and machinery
- CVs of key project personnel (Project Director, Site Engineers, Quality Manager)
- MoRTH/IRC specifications compliance and BIM acknowledgement
Financial proposal must include:
- Itemised BOQ priced in line with the Schedule of Rates
- EMD: typically 2–3% of estimated tender value
- GST calculations and performance security (5% of contract value on award)
- Payment milestone schedule aligned to project completion stages
NHAI's August 2025 Policy Circular (Ref No. 11.70/2025) revised EPC qualification criteria to require comprehensive demonstration of similar completed work across all major project components (Lexology, 2025 data). Firms should review these criteria before submitting a PQ or Technical Bid. TenderDekho's GeM bid participation support can assist with documentation compliance.
Phase 4: Submission Checklist
- Convert all documents to PDF — check NHAI portal size limits (typically 5–10 MB per upload)
- Apply Class 3 DSC to all document packets before uploading
- Pay tender fee and EMD via NHAI's payment gateway (RTGS/NEFT/bank guarantee)
- Submit 2–3 hours before deadline — avoid last-minute uploads on high-traffic portals
- Save acknowledgement receipt for dispute resolution
- Monitor for technical queries (TQs) — NHAI typically issues TQs within 2–7 days of bid opening
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the minimum eligibility to participate in highway construction tenders?
- Average annual turnover: 30–50% of estimated project cost over the last 3 financial years
- Similar completed works: At least 40% of estimated project cost in the last 3–5 years
- Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate mandatory for e-submission
- EPF, GST, and Udyam/MSME registrations required
- For NHAI EPC projects: experience must cover all major components as per the revised August 2025 Policy Circular
Q2. What capital is needed to start bidding for highway tenders?
- EMD/Bid Security: ₹25 lakhs – ₹5 crores (2–3% of tender value; varies by package)
- Working Capital: ₹50 lakhs – ₹10 crores depending on project size and mobilisation requirements
- Registration Costs: ₹2,000–₹15,000 one-time (DSC + portal fees)
- Performance Security on Award: 5% of contract value (typically via bank guarantee)
Q3. What is the average tender value in this category?
Tender values range widely: maintenance contracts run ₹5–₹150 crores, EPC packages ₹100–₹1,500 crores, and HAM concession packages ₹300–₹3,000 crores per package. NHAI's FY26 pipeline covers 2,188 km at a total capital cost of ₹1.15 lakh crore, according to TenderBook.in (2026 data).
Q4. What certifications are mandatory for highway construction tenders?
- GST registration (mandatory for all)
- Class 3 DSC for e-tendering (mandatory)
- ISO 9001 Quality Management certification (mandatory for large EPC/HAM packages)
- Udyam/MSME registration (provides EMD exemptions for eligible firms)
- EPF compliance for worker-deployed projects
- BIM compliance acknowledgement for projects above ₹100 crore (MoRTH mandate as of 2025)
Q5. How do I find highway tenders specific to my state?
TenderDekho's state filter lets you narrow results instantly. Gujarat highway construction tenders and Madhya Pradesh highway tenders are among the most active state pipelines outside of UP and Maharashtra.
Conclusion & 30-Day Action Plan
India's highway construction sector is backed by Bharatmala Phase-II, a 7.49% CAGR, and a sector projected to reach USD 122.91 billion by 2031. With 38+ tenders currently live on TenderDekho and NHAI's FY26 pipeline of ₹1.15 lakh crore still being awarded, contractors at every scale — from O&M specialists to large EPC firms — have concrete entry points today.
Start in 30 Days
Week 1–2: Foundation
- Complete GST, Udyam/MSME, DSC Class 3, and eProcure/CPPP portal registrations
- Gather experience certificates and audited turnover statements for the last 3 years
- Set up daily tender alerts: find government highway construction tenders and configure state and value filters
Week 3: Research
- Browse 10–15 active tenders matching your capability tier
- Study 3–5 recently awarded packages to understand winning bid levels
- Identify 3 target organisations: NHAI regional office, State PWD, or NHIDCL
Week 4: First Bid
- Prepare a standard document template pack (company profile, experience register, equipment list)
- Select one maintenance or small EPC tender within your turnover ceiling and submit your first bid
Your next step: View live highway construction tender listings and apply filters to find the right package for your firm today.