NEW DELHI: Seeking to end alleged malpractices in high-value arbitration cases, including concerns over undue influence to obtain favourable rulings, the road transport ministry will do away with the provision of arbitration for disputes in the highway sector which are over Rs 10 crore.

As per the finalised changes in contract norms, disputes valuing more than Rs 10 crore will be dealt only through conciliation or mediation. In case of no resolution, parties can take the matter to civil courts. The new norm would be applicable for all types of contracts – Build-Operate-Toll-Transfer (BOT-Toll), Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).

Author: Dipak K Dash