India, July 19 -- The RTI applications were addressed individually to NHAI offices across the country, and every application contained the same three questions. The replies, however, varied substantially.

Responses received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act on applications filed by The Sunday Guardian from Project Implementation Units (PIUs) of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) reveal wide variation in the action taken against contractors for poor road quality, substandard construction and failure to meet prescribed technical specifications during the last five financial years.

The findings are based on identical RTI applications filed on 11 February 2026 with NHAI offices across the country under Section 6(1) of th...