The Maharashtra government is introducing a new performance-based rating system for contractors handling major infrastructure projects to improve construction quality, enforce timelines and strengthen accountability.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a Government Resolution (GR) outlining an assessment framework under which contractors will be evaluated using measurable records from projects they have executed.
PWD Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale said the system would make contractor evaluations more transparent and objective by relying on documented project performance.
Under the new framework, contractors will be assessed on the quality of their work, compliance with deadlines, safety practices, contractual requirements and overall project management. The government expects the system to reduce disputes arising from subjective evaluations and encourage contractors with consistent performance to bid for future projects.
Applicable to projects worth Rs 500 crore and above
The new mechanism will apply to tenders for projects with an estimated cost or tender value of Rs 500 crore or more. It will cover works undertaken by state departments, government agencies, development authorities and civic bodies.
The organisations covered include the PWD, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, municipal corporations, CIDCO, Maha-Metro, MHADA and the Water Resources Department.
Contractors seeking to qualify for such tenders will need to submit valid performance certificates for eligible projects that they have completed or are currently executing.
Quality gets highest weightage
Every qualifying project will receive a score out of 100, with quality accounting for 60 marks, timely completion for 30 marks and maintenance and overall performance for the remaining 10 marks.
The quality assessment will consider adherence to approved specifications, quality assurance plans, laboratory and field test results, resolution of non-conformance reports and the structural and functional performance of the completed work.
Performance certificates will be issued by an officer holding the rank of Chief Engineer or equivalent.
Three-tier contractor classification
Contractors scoring above 80 marks will be placed in the Green Category, those scoring above 60 but below 80 will fall under the Yellow Category, while those scoring below 60 will be classified as Red.
Green Category contractors will face standard tender conditions. Yellow Category contractors will be required to provide performance security and additional performance security at 1.10 times the amount specified in tender documents. Red Category contractors will be barred from participating in tenders covered by the system.
Performance certificates will remain valid for 12 months. Without a valid certificate, projects submitted for technical eligibility will not be considered, while the absence of certification may also affect bid-capacity calculations for ongoing works.
The government said timely completion alone would not be sufficient, stressing that infrastructure must also meet standards of safety, durability and quality. The new system is expected to improve accountability, protect public funds and raise construction standards across Maharashtra.
Source: Mid-day
