New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a major step towards improving the professional management and maintenance of National Highway assets by introducing a technology-driven Operations and Maintenance (O&M) framework under the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT).
NHIT, an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by NHAI, has appointed General Management Consultants (GMCs) to strengthen asset management practices and ensure efficient operation of highways under its portfolio.
The initiative aims to improve highway performance, enhance road safety, adopt global best practices, and create a more professional ecosystem for managing operational National Highway assets.
NHIT Manages 2,653 Km of National Highway Assets
The National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) was registered with SEBI in October 2020 and currently manages National Highway assets covering a combined length of 2,653 km.
Under the first phase of the initiative, professional O&M management through GMCs will be implemented for around 908 km of National Highway assets.
The move is expected to improve:
- Asset performance
- Operational efficiency
- Maintenance planning
- Road user experience
- Compliance standards
Read also: NHAI and DMRC Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate National Highway Network and Safety Protocols
NHIPMPL to Oversee Highway Asset Management Operations
NHIT is supported by National Highways InvIT Project Managers Private Limited (NHIPMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NHAI, which functions as the Project Manager.
NHIPMPL is responsible for ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of National Highway assets either directly or through specialised consultants.
The company also ensures:
- Proper reporting systems
- Regulatory disclosures
- Certification processes
- Compliance with SEBI InvIT Regulations
GMCs to Introduce Technology-Based Highway Monitoring System
The appointed General Management Consultants will provide end-to-end professional asset management solutions for NHIT-managed highways.
The consultants will conduct regular highway inspections through:
- Daily assessments
- Weekly reviews
- Monthly evaluations
- Visual inspections
- Modern equipment-based monitoring techniques
Based on these evaluations, GMCs will identify:
- Maintenance requirements
- Safety improvement measures
- Defect rectification works
- Capacity enhancement needs
- Other infrastructure improvement initiatives
Focus on Better Road Safety and Passenger Experience
The GMCs will play an important role in improving highway operations by managing various activities, including:
- Selection and management of specialised contractors
- Supervision of maintenance works
- Certification of completed projects
- Improvement of toll plaza operations
- Better traffic management systems
- Ensuring timely regulatory reporting
These measures are expected to enhance the overall travel experience for highway users.
NHAI Aims to Build Professional O&M Ecosystem for Highways
NHAI said the initiative reflects its commitment towards adopting global standards in the lifecycle management of National Highway infrastructure.
The professional O&M model will help create a specialised ecosystem of consultants and contractors with expertise in highway asset management.
It is also expected to generate new opportunities in:
- Infrastructure services
- Technology solutions
- Innovation
- Employment generation
Initiative to Boost Investor Confidence in Highway Assets
By improving governance standards, operational efficiency, and compliance with SEBI regulations, the new O&M framework is expected to strengthen investor confidence.
The initiative will support greater participation from domestic and global investors in India’s National Highway assets through improved transparency and professional management practices.
NHAI’s Vision for Future Highway Asset Management
Building on this initiative, NHAI plans to further develop a strong network of specialised Operations and Maintenance contractors to enhance highway management capabilities across the country.
The move represents a significant shift towards technology-enabled, efficient, and sustainable management of India’s expanding National Highway network.
