NHAI Cuts Emissions as Highway Building Grows
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI Cuts Emissions as Highway Building Grows

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has published its second consecutive Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure development.

Launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the report outlines NHAI’s integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and its alignment with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable progress.

Despite a 20 per cent increase in national highway construction during the year, the authority managed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from 1.0 to 0.8 metric tonnes of CO₂ per kilometre, demonstrating progress in decoupling growth from emissions.

A key focus remains promoting circular economy practices. Over 63.1 million tonnes of recycled and reused materials—including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt—were utilised in road building. Since the introduction of the Green Highways Policy in 2015, over 469 million trees have been planted, including more than 5.6 million in 2023–24 and over 6.7 million already in 2024–25.

Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, 467 water bodies have been rejuvenated, producing nearly 24 million cubic metres of soil for road works and saving around Rs 166.9 billion in construction costs. Water use intensity in arid areas has declined by 74 per cent, while measures to protect wildlife and mitigate man-animal conflict have also been implemented.

On the social front, all NHAI employees and contract workers are now covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. The organisation recorded zero workplace discrimination cases, reinforcing its inclusive work culture.

Technological innovations have played a vital role. The AI-powered Data Lake 3.0 system has helped resolve 155 dispute cases, saving approximately Rs 256.8 billion. Additionally, FASTag penetration has reached 98.5 per cent, easing toll congestion and cutting emissions.

The report showcases NHAI’s multi-faceted approach to building a greener, more sustainable transport network while enhancing social equity and operational efficiency.


The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has published its second consecutive Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure development.Launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the report outlines NHAI’s integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and its alignment with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable progress.Despite a 20 per cent increase in national highway construction during the year, the authority managed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from 1.0 to 0.8 metric tonnes of CO₂ per kilometre, demonstrating progress in decoupling growth from emissions.A key focus remains promoting circular economy practices. Over 63.1 million tonnes of recycled and reused materials—including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt—were utilised in road building. Since the introduction of the Green Highways Policy in 2015, over 469 million trees have been planted, including more than 5.6 million in 2023–24 and over 6.7 million already in 2024–25.Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, 467 water bodies have been rejuvenated, producing nearly 24 million cubic metres of soil for road works and saving around Rs 166.9 billion in construction costs. Water use intensity in arid areas has declined by 74 per cent, while measures to protect wildlife and mitigate man-animal conflict have also been implemented.On the social front, all NHAI employees and contract workers are now covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. The organisation recorded zero workplace discrimination cases, reinforcing its inclusive work culture.Technological innovations have played a vital role. The AI-powered Data Lake 3.0 system has helped resolve 155 dispute cases, saving approximately Rs 256.8 billion. Additionally, FASTag penetration has reached 98.5 per cent, easing toll congestion and cutting emissions.The report showcases NHAI’s multi-faceted approach to building a greener, more sustainable transport network while enhancing social equity and operational efficiency. 

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Products

Koemmerling opens Navi Mumbai experience centre

Koemmerling, a brand of the profine Group, has expanded its presence in the Mumbai metropolitan region with the opening of a new experience centre in Navi Mumbai and launched its Allure S46 minimal sliding door system for the Indian market.Located in CBD Belapur, the facility was inaugurated by Peter Mrosik, Owner and CEO, profine Group, along with Farid Khan, Chairman and Managing Director, profine India, and Kamal Bajaj, CEO, profine India.The company said the new centre will showcase its portfolio of uPVC and aluminium window and door systems to architects, developers and homeowners.The ina..

Next Story
Products

India's waterproofing market nears Rs 150 bn milestone

India's waterproofing industry is approaching a market size of Rs 150 billion and is expected to surpass the $2 billion milestone, according to speakers at the 2nd India International Waterproofers Conference & Expo 2026 organised by the Waterproofers Association of India (WAI) in New Delhi.The two-day event brought together more than 20 speakers, 55 international delegates and 53 exhibition booths, with discussions focusing on climate-resilient construction, advanced waterproofing technologies and international collaboration.Inaugurating the event, Durga Shanker Mishra, former Secretary, ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Dilip Buildcon Q1 FY27 Revenue at Rs 23.78 billion

Dilip Buildcon Limited reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 2,378 crore in Q1 FY27, along with EBITDA of Rs 429 crore and profit after tax of Rs 128 crore.Consolidated EBITDA margin stood at 18.1%, improving from 17.1% in Q4 FY26. On a standalone basis, revenue from operations was Rs 1,930 crore, EBITDA stood at Rs 199 crore and PAT was Rs 39 crore, with an EBITDA margin of 10.3%.The company’s order book stood at Rs 27,691 crore as of 30 June 2026, compared with Rs 28,830 crore as of 31 March 2026. Roads and highways accounted for 17.1% of the order book, irrigation and water ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement