New Delhi: The NHAI arbitration claims case has ended in a major legal victory for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The authority successfully defended two high-value arbitration disputes linked to the Panipat–Jalandhar section of NH-44.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, claims worth more than ₹8,375 crore were raised against NHAI, but the final net award came in NHAI’s favour.
Details of NHAI Arbitration Claims
The disputes were related to the execution and operation of the Panipat–Jalandhar highway project on NH-44.
Key issues included:
- Alleged termination payments
- Compensation for toll revenue loss
- Escalation and prolongation costs
- Project delay damages
- Extension of concession period
- Other financial claims by concessionaires
The total claims exceeded ₹8,375 crore.
First Arbitration Case: Claims Above ₹5,443 Crore
In the first case:
- The concessionaire claimed over ₹5,443 crore
- Claims included toll loss, termination payments, and change-of-scope disputes
- NHAI argued that the contract termination was valid due to defaults by the concessionaire
After reviewing records and evidence, the arbitral tribunal rejected most major claims against NHAI. The tribunal also accepted several counterclaims filed by the authority.
Final outcome:
- Net award of around ₹115.73 crore in favour of NHAI
- Applicable interest was also granted
Second Arbitration Case: Claims Near ₹2,932 Crore
The second case involved claims exceeding ₹2,931.79 crore.
The claimant demanded compensation for:
- Delay-related losses
- Escalation costs
- Idling expenses
- Prolongation expenses
- Other execution-related financial impacts
NHAI opposed the claims by arguing:
- Lack of contractual entitlement
- Insufficient supporting evidence
- Failure to establish causation
- Non-compliance with documentation rules
The tribunal again ruled largely in favour of NHAI.
Final outcome:
- Net award of around ₹704.23 crore in favour of NHAI
NHAI Arbitration Claims: Total Financial Impact
According to the official report:
- Total claims raised against NHAI: More than ₹8,375 crore
- NHAI counterclaims: ₹2,888.64 crore
- Final combined net amount awarded in favour of NHAI: Around ₹819.96 crore
Earlier Gujarat Highway Case Also Favoured NHAI
NHAI also recently defended another arbitration case related to the Kamrej–Chalthan section of NH-48 in Gujarat.
Highlights:
- Contractor raised claims worth around ₹174.49 crore
- Tribunal awarded only ₹54 lakh
- The case involved six-laning highway work and contract disputes
Officials said digital project monitoring and strict contract enforcement helped protect public funds.
Official Government Statement
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said these arbitration victories reflect NHAI’s continued focus on:
- Protection of public funds
- Accountability in highway execution
- Enforcement of contractual obligations
- Better infrastructure governance
The ministry added that detailed hearings, technical evidence, and expert submissions played an important role in the tribunal’s decisions.
Read also: MoRTH Introduces New Overloading Fee Rules on National Highways, Effective April 15, 2026
