Maharashtra to Grade Contractors for Infrastructure Projects Above ₹500 Crore
The Maharashtra government has introduced a new evaluation and rating system for contractors executing major infrastructure projects across the state to ensure high quality, timely completion, transparency, and accountability. Public Works Department Minister Shivendrasinh Bhosale announced on Wednesday in Mumbai that the PWD has issued an official Government Resolution to formally implement the evidence-based performance framework.
The rating framework will apply to upcoming tenders for projects with an estimated cost or tender value of ₹500 crore or more. The mandate extends across multiple state government departments, corporations, and local self-government institutions. Key entities covered include the Public Works Department, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, City and Industrial Development Corporation, Water Resources Department, Maha-Metro, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, and various municipal corporations.
To participate in tenders for projects worth ₹500 crore or more, contractors must present valid performance certificates for eligible past or ongoing projects. These certificates must be issued by an officer not below the rank of Chief Engineer or an equivalent rank, assessing project delays, work quality, compliance with quality control standards, and overall execution. Certificates will remain valid for 12 months. Without a valid certificate, a submitted project will not be considered to establish technical eligibility. Additionally, for ongoing projects shown under 'Work in Hand' without a valid certificate, an amount equivalent to twice the sanctioned value of that work will be factored into bid capacity calculations.
Under the evaluation framework, each eligible project will be scored out of 100 marks. The highest weightage of 60 marks is assigned to the quality of work, which includes adherence to approved specifications, laboratory and field test results, closure of non-conformance reports, and structural and functional performance. Completion of work within stipulated timelines accounts for 30 marks, while performance during the maintenance period or overall management of ongoing projects carries 10 marks.
Contractors will be classified into three distinct categories based on their weighted average scores. Those scoring above 80 marks will enter the Green Category and follow general tender conditions. Firms scoring between 60 and 80 marks will fall into the Yellow Category, where performance security and additional performance security will be fixed at 1.10 times the standard amount specified in tender documents. Contractors scoring under 60 marks will be placed in the Red Category and declared ineligible to participate in future tenders. Minister Bhosale noted that evaluating performance through official project records will ensure effective public fund utilization and improve state infrastructure standards.
