In a major step towards India’s Net Zero 2070 vision, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to install solar power plants along the elevated portion of Package-1 (Delhi section) of the Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun Highway (NH-709B) under Phase 1.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra, with V. Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Sanjay Sharma, Director, SECI Ltd, also attending the ceremony.

The MoU focuses on the development of renewable energy projects across highway infrastructure, harnessing the potential of solar energy to reduce the carbon footprint and power highway facilities sustainably. This pioneering initiative aims not only to produce clean, green energy but also to serve as a model for sustainable infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking at the signing, Harsh Malhotra said the collaboration reflected the government’s strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, highlighting the synergy between SECI and NHAI in advancing innovative, eco-friendly highway solutions.

He noted that the project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and demonstrate the feasibility of integrating renewable power with infrastructure development. The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for future highway projects across India.

Malhotra further added that the partnership reaffirmed both SECI’s and NHAI’s commitment to a sustainable future, in line with the government’s long-term mission to promote renewable energy adoption and minimise environmental impact in national infrastructure planning.