Drone-based progress measurement mandatory for highway packages above ₹200 crore
NHAI Circular (March 2026)
Open the sourceWhat the circular says
NHAI directed that UAV/drone surveys are the primary method for monthly physical progress measurement on all EPC and HAM packages with a contract value above ₹200 crore. The Independent Engineer is required to use drone-generated point cloud data and orthomosaic imagery as the reference for chainage-wise progress certification. Manual measurement books remain in use for smaller structures and culverts, but corridor-level earthwork and pavement progress must be drone-certified.
Contractor action
Drone survey data now carries the same evidentiary weight as IE-countersigned measurement books for corridor-level quantities. If your IE's drone survey underestimates progress, raise a formal dispute within 7 days of the survey report. Ensure your own survey team accompanies the IE's drone operator. Contested footage must be reshot with both parties present.
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