Who is Responsible for National Highways in India: The Role of NHAI

The maintenance and development of national highways in India fall under the purview of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), a central government agency. This article delves into the roles and responsibilities of NHAI, explaining how it collaborates with various stakeholders to maintain and develop the nation's transportation infrastructure.

National Highway Authority of India (NHAI)

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) was established under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, to develop, maintain, and manage the national highways in India. This legislative act enabled the creation of NHAI, which became operational in February 1995.

Its primary responsibilities include the construction, maintenance, and management of national highways assigned to it by the Central Government. NHAI also oversees the development of new national highways and ensures that these highways meet the required standards for safety and efficiency.

National Highways: An Overview

National highways in India are categorized into two main types: the Golden Quadrilateral and other tolled roads constructed on the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, and other less important interstate roads.

1. Golden Quadrilateral: This is a network of interconnected highways that forms a quadrilateral encompassing India's four largest cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The Golden Quadrilateral aims to provide a seamless and efficient road network connecting the country's major economic hubs.

2. Tolled Roads (BOT Model): These highways are built, owned, operated, and transferred to private companies on a long-term contract. The private entities are responsible for collecting tolls and maintaining the highways. NHAI provides oversight and guidance to ensure compliance with national standards.

3. Lesser Important Interstate Roads: These national highways are also managed by NHAI, which receives specific grants from the Central Government to maintain these critical routes.

Collaboration with State Governments and Private Sector

The development and maintenance of national highways in India involve the collaboration of various stakeholders, including state governments and private sector entities.

State Governments: State highway development corporations play a crucial role in developing and maintaining smaller roads within their respective states. For example, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation is a state government undertaking responsible for the development and maintenance of state highways in Maharashtra.

Private Sector: In the case of tolled roads, private companies are contracted by NHAI to build and operate these highways. These companies are responsible for recovering costs through toll collections. NHAI ensures that these contracts comply with the stipulated terms and conditions.

Funding and Maintenance

The Central Government of India provides the necessary funding for the development and maintenance of national highways. Funding is sourced through various means, including grants, budget allocations, and toll revenues.

For toll roads, the Central Government leverages private sector investment to build and maintain these highways. NHAI negotiates BOT agreements with private companies to ensure that toll roads are constructed, operated, and maintained to a high standard.

Conclusion

NHAI plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of national highways in India. By overseeing the construction and management of these critical infrastructure projects, NHAI ensures that the nation's transportation network remains efficient and safe. Collaboration with state governments and private sector entities has resulted in significant progress in India's road infrastructure development.