Handbooks for Key and Sub-Professional Roles in Highway/Expressway Supervision Projects (NHAI/MoRTH)

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🛣️ Key Human Resource Requirements & Responsibilities for Supervision Consultancy in NHAI/MoRTH Highway & Expressway Projects

Highway and expressway infrastructure projects executed under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) mandate the deployment of highly qualified professionals to ensure quality, safety, and contractual compliance. These professionals are engaged through Construction Supervision Consultants (CSCs) or as Authority’s Engineer (AE) under PPP/EPC/DBO models.


🔹 I. KEY PROFESSIONAL STAFF

These personnel form the core technical team as per standard Terms of Reference (ToR) in NHAI/MoRTH consultancy contracts.

RoleQualificationExperienceKey Responsibilities
Team Leader / Resident EngineerGraduate in Civil Engineering; Master’s preferredMin. 20 years (including 8–10 years in highway sector & 5 years as TL/RE)Overall in-charge; ensures project objectives, timelines, quality & safety compliance
Highway EngineerGraduate in Civil EngineeringMin. 15 years (5 years in similar capacity)Reviews alignment, pavement design, road cross-sections, and geometric design
Bridge/Structure EngineerGraduate in Civil/Structural EngineeringMin. 15 years (8 years in bridge design/construction)Supervision of major structures like bridges, ROBs, viaducts, culverts
Geotechnical / Foundation EngineerGraduate in Civil Engineering; Master’s in Geotechnical preferredMin. 10–15 yearsSoil investigations, embankments, foundations, slope stability
Material/Quality EngineerGraduate in Civil Engineering; Materials/QA certifications preferredMin. 10–12 yearsLaboratory/field testing, mix designs (bituminous, concrete), quality audits
Contract Specialist / Claims ExpertGraduate in Civil Engg./Chartered QS; LLB/Contracts Mgmt preferred15 years (8 years in highway contract admin)Contractual matters, claims/EoT analysis, dispute resolution support
Quantity SurveyorDegree/Diploma in Civil Engg. or Quantity SurveyingMin. 10 yearsMeasurement recording, RA/final bill verification, BOQ variation analysis
Traffic & Safety ExpertGraduate in Civil/Transportation Engineering10–12 years (with RSA experience/certification preferred)Road safety audits, work zone safety, signages, traffic diversions
Environmental SpecialistGraduate in Environmental Science/Engineering8–10 years (preferably with EIA/EMP experience)Monitoring of EMP, pollution control, water/air/noise quality monitoring
MIS / IT ExpertGraduate in IT/Computer Science5–7 yearsProgress dashboard, report automation, document control systems

🔸 II. SUB-PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF

RoleQualificationExperienceResponsibilities
Assistant Highway EngineerDiploma/B.Tech in Civil5–7 yearsAssists Highway Engineer in supervision, geometric and drainage works
Survey EngineerDiploma/Degree in Surveying/Civil5 years with GPS/TS experienceSetting out, as-built surveys, cross-section verification
Lab Technician / Assistant Material EngineerDiploma in Civil/Science background3–5 yearsField/lab testing of materials (aggregate, bitumen, soil, concrete)
AutoCAD DraftsmanITI/Diploma in Drafting3–5 yearsPreparation of working drawings, as-built drawings, quantity take-offs
IT Assistant / Data Entry OperatorDiploma/Graduate in IT/Computer Apps2–3 yearsEntry, report formatting, software-based documentation
Accounts/Admin OfficerCommerce Graduate5+ yearsOffice admin, payroll, petty cash, invoicing support

📌 III. KEY TASKS OF CONSULTANCY TEAM (CSC / AE)

🔧 1. Construction Supervision

  • Daily supervision to ensure conformity to technical specifications and drawings.
  • Monitor compliance with MoRTH, IRC, and project-specific standards.

🧪 2. Quality Assurance & Material Testing

  • Approve mix designs and source approvals.
  • Establish on-site laboratories and conduct third-party testing.
  • Implement QMS (Quality Management System) per contractual guidelines.

📊 3. Progress & Project Monitoring

  • Maintain work schedules, monitor physical & financial progress.
  • Tools used: MS Project, Primavera, Excel-based dashboards.

📜 4. Contract Management

  • Interpret EPC/PPP contracts, address contractor claims, handle change of scope/variation.
  • Recommend Extension of Time (EoT), monitor milestone compliance.

🌱 5. Environmental & Social Safeguards

  • Implement approved Environmental Management Plans (EMP).
  • Address stakeholder concerns; ensure public consultation records.

⚠️ 6. Safety Management

  • Ensure use of PPE, safe construction zones, accident tracking.
  • Enforce road safety in work zones per IRC\:SP:55.

📐 7. Design Vetting (For EPC Projects)

  • Approve working drawings submitted by EPC contractor.
  • Check constructability and conformity with field conditions.

🧾 8. Measurement and Billing

  • Verification of executed quantities.
  • Recommend payments to Authority based on RA/final bills.

🗂️ 9. Reporting & Documentation

  • Monthly progress reports (MPR), daily site diaries, quarterly reviews.
  • Ensure digital recordkeeping in formats acceptable to NHAI/MoRTH.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 10. Coordination & Liaison

  • Interface between Authority, contractor, public, and other stakeholders (e.g., utilities).
  • Support land acquisition, tree cutting, utility shifting documentation (if required).

📚 Applicable Guidelines & References

  • MoRTH Specifications – 5th Revision
  • IRC Codes (e.g., IRC\:SP:73, IRC\:SP:84, IRC\:SP:87, IRC\:SP:55)
  • NHAI QA Manual, PMP Guidelines
  • Standard EPC Concession Agreements
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Notification (MoEF\&CC)

Handbook: Team Leader / Resident Engineer

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering (Master’s in relevant field preferred)
  • Minimum 20 years’ experience; 5 years as Team Leader/Resident Engineer on similar highway/expressway projects

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Overall responsibility for execution supervision in line with the Concession Agreement/Contract Document
  • Primary contact between the Authority and Contractor
  • Review and approve Quality Assurance Plans, Method Statements, Construction Schedules, and Work Programs
  • Chair weekly/monthly review meetings and ensure follow-ups
  • Ensure compliance with MoRTH Specifications (Latest Revision), IRC Codes, and applicable IS Codes
  • Facilitate resolution of design, construction, and contractual issues
  • Provide oversight on environmental and social safeguards implementation

References:

  • MoRTH Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (5th Revision)
  • IRC\:SP:19, IRC\:SP:84, IRC\:SP:87 for project management practices
  • FIDIC Guidelines (if applicable)

Handbook: Highway Engineer

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering
  • Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in highway construction supervision

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Review alignment geometry, cross-sections, and pavement design in accordance with IRC guidelines (e.g., IRC:37, IRC:73)
  • Supervise road construction including earthwork, subgrade, GSB, WMM, DBM, and BC layers
  • Conduct daily inspections and resolve field-level issues
  • Ensure implementation of traffic diversion plans
  • Collaborate with materials engineer for quality control

References:

  • IRC:37 (Pavement Design)
  • IRC:73 (Geometric Design)
  • MoRTH Section 300–500 (Pavement Layers)

Handbook: Bridge/Structure Engineer

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil/Structural Engineering
  • 15 years’ experience including major bridge projects

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Supervise bridge foundation, substructure, and superstructure works
  • Verify quality and placement of reinforcement, pre-stressing works, and bearing installation
  • Approve shuttering, staging, and concreting plans
  • Coordinate with structural designers and vet detailed drawings

References:

  • IRC:6, IRC:21, IRC:112 (Bridge Code & Design)
  • MoRTH Section 900–1500
  • IS:456, IS:1786 for concrete and reinforcement

Handbook: Geotechnical/Foundations Engineer

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil; Master’s in Geotechnical preferred
  • 10–15 years’ experience in geotechnical design and supervision

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Review geotechnical investigation reports (as per IRC\:SP:113)
  • Recommend ground improvement techniques like stone columns, sand drains
  • Monitor embankment settlements and supervise instrumentation
  • Address foundation issues during pile/well construction

References:

  • IRC\:SP:113 (Geotechnical Investigations)
  • IRC:75 (Embankments)
  • MoRTH Section 210, 300

Handbook: Material/Quality Assurance Engineer

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering
  • Minimum 10–12 years’ experience in highway quality control

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Develop and enforce QA/QC plans
  • Ensure calibration and maintenance of lab equipment
  • Verify test results for soil, aggregates, bitumen, and concrete as per MoRTH/IRC/IS codes
  • Approve bituminous mix designs and concrete grade trials
  • Maintain records of test registers and NCRs (Non-conformance Reports)

References:

  • MoRTH Sections 900 (Quality Control)
  • IRC\:SP:11, IRC\:SP:89 for QA
  • IS:2386, IS:1201 series for testing procedures

Handbook: Contract Specialist

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech with specialization or experience in Contract Management
  • Preferably PGD in Contract Law or experience with FIDIC conditions

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Interpret contract documents and ensure compliance
  • Assist with claim evaluation, Variation Orders (VOs), and Extension of Time (EOT) assessment
  • Liaise with legal teams on arbitration/litigation

References:

  • FIDIC Conditions of Contract
  • Concession Agreement Clauses
  • MoRTH Model Concession Agreement

Handbook: Quantity Surveyor

Qualifications:

  • Degree/Diploma in Civil/Quantity Surveying
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Prepare Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) and Final Bills
  • Reconcile quantities with contractors
  • Monitor BOQ utilization and DLP maintenance works

References:

  • CPWD Works Manual
  • MoRTH Bidding Documents

Handbook: Traffic & Safety Expert

Qualifications:

  • B.E./B.Tech in Civil or Transportation Engineering
  • 10–12 years’ experience; certified in Road Safety Audits

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Conduct pre-, during-, and post-construction RSAs
  • Review temporary traffic management plans
  • Recommend safety appurtenances per IRC\:SP:55, IRC\:SP:88

References:

  • IRC\:SP:55 (Traffic Safety in Construction Zones)
  • IRC\:SP:88, IRC:99, IRC:103

Handbook: Environmental Expert

Qualifications:

  • Graduate in Environmental Engineering or Sciences
  • 8–10 years’ experience in EMP and EIA implementation

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Supervise EMP implementation at site
  • Liaise with Forest/Wildlife departments for clearances
  • Conduct water, air, and noise quality monitoring

References:

  • MoEF Guidelines
  • Environmental Clearance Conditions
  • World Bank/ADB Safeguard Policies (if applicable)

Handbook: MIS / IT Expert

Qualifications:

  • B.Tech/Graduate in IT/Computer Science
  • 5–7 years’ experience in project MIS systems

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Develop project dashboards and reporting formats
  • Manage DMS (Document Management Systems)
  • Support in uploading reports on NHAI Data Lake/e-RA platform

Handbook: Assistant Highway Engineer

Qualifications:

  • Diploma/B.Tech in Civil
  • 5–7 years’ site experience

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Assist Highway Engineer in measurements, site supervision
  • Verify layout, leveling, and alignment as per drawings

Handbook: Survey Engineer

Qualifications:

  • Degree/Diploma in Civil or Surveying
  • Proficient in GPS, Total Station, Drone Surveying

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Verify cross-sections, L-Sections, and construction benchmarks
  • Prepare as-built drawings
  • Conduct layout surveys and record data logs

References:

  • IS:3764 for survey accuracy
  • IRC\:SP:19 for survey techniques

Handbook: Lab Technician

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Civil/Science background
  • 3–5 years in highway material testing

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Conduct soil classification, gradation, compaction tests
  • Perform bitumen penetration, softening point, ductility tests
  • Test concrete compressive strength

References:

  • IS:2720, IS:1201 series, IS:516

Handbook: AutoCAD Draftsman

Qualifications:

  • ITI/Diploma in Civil Draftsmanship
  • 3–5 years’ experience

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Prepare plan, profile, and typical cross-section drawings
  • Draft reinforcement details for bridges/culverts
  • Maintain drawing control register

Handbook: IT Assistant / DEO

Qualifications:

  • Graduate/Diploma in IT/Computer Applications
  • 2–3 years’ experience

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Data entry of site records, reports, and logs
  • Maintain hardware, software, and backups

Handbook: Admin/Accounts Officer

Qualifications:

  • B.Com/M.Com or MBA in Finance/HR
  • 5+ years’ experience

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Handle payroll, taxes, vendor bills, and compliance
  • Maintain logistics, travel, and accommodation records

Note: These handbooks incorporate roles, required qualifications, duties, and code references aligned with the NHAI Standard Bidding Document for Consultancy Services, MoRTH Manual for Consultants, and IRC specifications.

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