NHAI responds to media report on alleged payment of bribe to its officials, initiates internal investigation

The following is a statement by National Highways Authority of India in response to a news report about alleged bribe having been paid to its official by a foreign company between 2011-15:

It is reported in the media that M/s. CDM Smith Inc, USA have allegedly admitted having paid bribe to NHAI officials between 2011 and 2015. M/s. CDM Smith Inc, USA have been working in the Road Sector in India for quite some time. However, in 2015, they were debarred for a period of 3 (three) months from participating / engagement in future bidding of NHAI projects because of deficiency in services in one of the projects, Dholpur – Morena Section of NH-3. Presently, M/s CDM Smith have no ongoing assignment with the NHAI. In view the seriousness of the charges, NHAI have initiated an internal investigation into alleged payment of bribe money to its officials as reported in the media.