Mumbai, July 23 -- The National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) has introduced a professional management model for operation and maintenance of National Highway assets by appointing General Management Consultants. The initiative is designed to improve quality efficiency and the long term performance of highways while aligning with internationally recognised asset management practices.
NHIT is an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and manages 2,653 kilometres of National Highway assets. In the first phase GMCs will oversee 908 kilometres, a move that is expected to strengthen infrastructure management while improving safety and travel experiences for road users.
The consultants will work alongside National Highways InvIT Project Managers Private Limited (NHIPMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NHAI that serves as the project manager for NHIT and is responsible for operational oversight reporting and compliance under SEBI's Infrastructure Investment Trust regulations. Under the new framework General Management Consultants will carry out daily weekly and monthly inspections using a combination of physical surveys and advanced equipment based assessment methods to identify maintenance needs road safety improvements repair works capacity enhancement requirements and other upgrades.
They will also manage procurement of specialised contractors supervise project execution certify completed works and recommend improvements for toll plaza operations and traffic management to enhance service delivery and network resilience. The model is expected to create a specialised ecosystem of professional operations and maintenance consultants while opening new opportunities for businesses innovation and employment in the infrastructure sector.
Officials anticipate that the enhanced governance framework improved operational efficiency and stronger compliance with SEBI regulations will boost investor confidence and encourage greater domestic and international investment in National Highway assets. By combining professional management with technology driven monitoring the initiative aims to ensure that India's highway infrastructure remains safer more efficient and better maintained over the long term.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.