Policy Updates
Policy updateDispute ResolutionJanuary 2026
MoRTH circular: DRB decisions are now advisory, not binding, for NHAI disputes
Open MoRTH CircularsWhat changed
A January 2026 Ministry circular formally clarified that Dispute Review Board recommendations are advisory in nature for disputes above ₹10 crore on NHAI projects. The circular aligns NHAI practice with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on DRB enforceability. Both parties must proceed through CCIE conciliation or arbitration even if a DRB has already ruled.
Watch out
Do not stop arbitration proceedings because the DRB ruled in your favour. A DRB recommendation is not an award. File for arbitration within the contractual time limit regardless.
Policy moved. CivilBolt updates your contract checklist.
Every NHAI and MoRTH directive that touches contract administration shifts the compliance checklist. CivilBolt tracks which directives apply to your active packages and flags the deltas in your weekly review.