Land acquisition completion is a precondition for NTP issuance
NHAI Circular (2023)
Open the sourceWhat the circular says
NHAI issued an internal directive requiring that at least 80% of land for a project stretch be in NHAI's possession before Notice to Proceed is issued to the contractor. This follows a pattern of NTP-to-possession gaps that caused significant contractor idle cost claims. The directive also requires NHAI's Project Director to certify possession status before NTP issuance.
Contractor action
Verify actual land possession status at the time of NTP, not just NHAI's certification. Walk the corridor. If possession gaps exist on day one, document them immediately with GPS coordinates and photographs. These records are the foundation of any subsequent idle cost or prolongation claim.
Related circulars
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