Saturday, October, 31,2026

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India’s Changing Road Sector: Greater Focus on Quality, Supervision Creates Opportunities for Engineering Consultants

New Delhi : For most of the past decade, the key number in Indian roads was kilometres a day. It peaked at 36.8 in FY21. CareEdge Ratings now expects it to fall to about 21 Km in FY27, or roughly 7,750 km for the year, after national highway awards fell from a peak of 12,731 km in FY22 to an estimated 7,000 km in FY26.

At first glance, this may suggest a slowdown in the road infrastructure sector. However, government spending remains strong. What is changing is the focus of investment, with greater attention being given to project quality, proper execution and supervision. This is creating more opportunities for engineering consultants involved in designing, monitoring and certifying infrastructure projects.

Strengthening The Spending Base Behind Indian Roads

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has a FY27 budget of ₹ 3.10 lakh Cr, 8% above the previous year’s revised estimate, according to PRS Legislative Research.

  • Capital spending: ₹ 2.94 lakh Cr of the FY27 budget

  • NHAI capex in FY26: ₹2.44 lakh Cr

  • NHAI construction in FY26: 5,313 km built against a target of 4,640 km

  • National highway Network: Increased from 91,287 km in 2014 to more than 1.47 lakh km.

From Kilometres To Quality: What Authorities Now Expect

The Indian Road sector is gradually shifting its focus from rapid construction to better project quality and execution, according to CareEdge. The Public Accounts Committee has also highlighted issues such as poor planning, design errors, slope failures, road cracks and waterlogging. These problems show the importance of proper project design and supervision.

To improve project quality, NHAI has introduced a rating system for companies preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). It has also started evaluating authority and independent engineers who supervise projects, check designs, test materials and verify contractors’ work.

This shift creates opportunities for engineering consultants to stand out through:

  • Quality Work: Preparing accurate designs and DPRs

  • Strong Supervision: Ensuring proper execution at project sites.

  • Skilled Teams: Having experienced and qualified engineers.

  • Wide Experience: Handling different types of projects for various clients.

The States Takes The Lead: A New Source Of Demand For Consultant

Road spending is expected to shift more towards state governments in FY27, with greater focus on improving regional roads, state highways and rural connectivity. State agencies are increasingly appointing consultants for project planning, preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), site supervision and project management. Some agencies also appoint consultants to handle multiple projects under a single contract. This creates opportunities for engineering consultants that are empanelled with different government agencies across multiple states, reducing dependence on a single client.

Rising Government Projects Drive Demand for Engineering Expertise

Dhruv Consultancy Services Limited, established in 2003, is a Navi Mumbai-based infrastructure consultancy with 200+ completed projects and 400+ employees across highways, bridges, railways, metro, airports and ports.

In August 2026, the company secured its largest-ever order worth ₹40.92 crore from Odisha’s OBCC for a 36-month road and bridge project management assignment. It was also empanelled by Chhattisgarh’s road development corporation for DPR work.

Key Q2 FY27 Orders:

  • NHAI: ₹6.84 Cr Independent Engineer contract for the Bodhre–Dhule NH-52 section in Maharashtra

  • DPR & Survey: ₹3.79 Cr contract covering 249.20 km of Maharashtra roads.

  • Wayside Amenities: Three NHLML awards in Maharashtra with combined annual lease rent of ₹30.84 lakh over 15 years.

Key Drivers Shaping The Future Of Infrastructure Consultancy

Three factors are likely to play an important role in determining whether quality becomes a stronger basis of competition for consultants in India.

  • Quality-Weighted Selection Beyond NHAI: NHAI evaluates consultants based on their experience and work quality. If state governments follow the same approach instead of choosing the lowest bidder, experienced firms like Dhruv Consultancy Services Limited could get more opportunities as it expands its presence across states.

  • Payment Cycles In A State-Led Spending Cycle: Collection cycles of 60 to 90 days are normal for consultants working with government clients, and they lengthen in remote regions. A state-led spending cycle will test how well consultants manage working capital while hiring ahead of billing.

  • The Award Pipeline & Diversification: Supervision contracts depend on new construction projects. Therefore, fewer highway project awards in FY25 and FY26 may reduce consultants’ future orders. Companies working across different states and sectors may be less affected.

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Daily Astro

31-10-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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31-10-2026