Transport Ministry Proposes Corridor Management Unit

05 Apr 2024 CW Team

With projections indicating a substantial increase in NH length to 89,900 km by 2037 and 1.27 lakh km by 2047, the establishment of a CMU becomes imperative. This unit, designed to oversee end-to-end management of NH stretches, comes at a critical juncture, anticipating the approaching saturation level in highway development within the next 14-15 years.

The ministry underscores the necessity for preparatory measures, emphasizing the impending need to train NHAI staff extensively for the efficient operation and maintenance of these stretches. Concurrently, major organizational reforms are underway, including strengthening NHAI and restructuring the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), responsible for highway development in hilly and northeastern states.

Sources reveal that amidst the current poll season, infrastructure ministries are expediting preparatory works to ensure seamless project execution post the new government's tenure. Notably, the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry is progressing with flagship programs such as the PM e-Bus Scheme and finalization of the Delhi Master Plan.

In its presentation to the PMO, the Road Transport Ministry has proposed bolstering NHAI's capacity in anticipation of bidding out an additional 60,555 km of NHs for development. This strategic move aligns with the ministry's long-term vision, emphasizing a shift towards managing stretches and maintenance in the forthcoming years.

The proposal entails augmenting the sanctioned staff strength, particularly in technical roles, to meet future work requirements. It advocates for increasing the NHAI's permanent cadre to 90% of the total sanction, aiming to foster continuity and expertise in road management. Presently, half of the NHAI employees serve on deputation, which the ministry contends leads to a lack of long-term commitment and accountability, especially concerning project oversight.

Addressing concerns surrounding NHIDCL, the ministry highlights the absence of a regular cadre and challenges in attracting talent through the existing deputation scheme. Proposals include a balanced cadre recruitment approach and the engagement of contractual professionals, both retired and from the market, to enhance organizational efficiency.

The Road Transport Ministry's comprehensive proposals underscore a proactive approach towards addressing the evolving needs of India's burgeoning highway infrastructure. As infrastructure projects gain prominence on the national agenda, initiatives such as the dedicated Corridor Management Unit signal a strategic pivot towards efficient highway management and sustained development.

The Road Transport Ministry has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Corridor Management Unit (CMU) within the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This initiative aims to intensify the focus on the operation and maintenance of highway stretches, given the exponential growth in the length of widened National Highways (NH) over the past decade. With projections indicating a substantial increase in NH length to 89,900 km by 2037 and 1.27 lakh km by 2047, the establishment of a CMU becomes imperative. This unit, designed to oversee end-to-end management of NH stretches, comes at a critical juncture, anticipating the approaching saturation level in highway development within the next 14-15 years. The ministry underscores the necessity for preparatory measures, emphasizing the impending need to train NHAI staff extensively for the efficient operation and maintenance of these stretches. Concurrently, major organizational reforms are underway, including strengthening NHAI and restructuring the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), responsible for highway development in hilly and northeastern states. Sources reveal that amidst the current poll season, infrastructure ministries are expediting preparatory works to ensure seamless project execution post the new government's tenure. Notably, the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry is progressing with flagship programs such as the PM e-Bus Scheme and finalization of the Delhi Master Plan. In its presentation to the PMO, the Road Transport Ministry has proposed bolstering NHAI's capacity in anticipation of bidding out an additional 60,555 km of NHs for development. This strategic move aligns with the ministry's long-term vision, emphasizing a shift towards managing stretches and maintenance in the forthcoming years. The proposal entails augmenting the sanctioned staff strength, particularly in technical roles, to meet future work requirements. It advocates for increasing the NHAI's permanent cadre to 90% of the total sanction, aiming to foster continuity and expertise in road management. Presently, half of the NHAI employees serve on deputation, which the ministry contends leads to a lack of long-term commitment and accountability, especially concerning project oversight. Addressing concerns surrounding NHIDCL, the ministry highlights the absence of a regular cadre and challenges in attracting talent through the existing deputation scheme. Proposals include a balanced cadre recruitment approach and the engagement of contractual professionals, both retired and from the market, to enhance organizational efficiency. The Road Transport Ministry's comprehensive proposals underscore a proactive approach towards addressing the evolving needs of India's burgeoning highway infrastructure. As infrastructure projects gain prominence on the national agenda, initiatives such as the dedicated Corridor Management Unit signal a strategic pivot towards efficient highway management and sustained development.