In a significant step towards institutionalising professional and technology-driven Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of National Highway assets, the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), an InvIT sponsored by NHAI, has engaged General Management Consultants (GMCs) for effective O&M of National Highways under its portfolio. National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) was registered with SEBI in October 2020 and manages National Highway assets for a combined length of 2,653 km. In the first phase, O&M of 908 km long National Highway assets will be managed by GMCs. The initiative is aimed at enhancing asset performance, improving operational efficiency and adopting the best global practices in management of operational National Highway assets.

NHIT is supported by National Highways InvIT Project Managers Private Limited (NHIPMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NHAI, that functions as the Project Manager. As a Project Manager, NHIPMPL is responsible for ensuring efficient Operation and Maintenance of the National Highway assets, either directly or through consultants, while maintaining robust reporting, disclosure and certification in accordance with SEBI InvIT Regulations.

To further strengthen the O&M framework, NHIT has engaged General Management Consultants to assist NHIPMPL in delivering end-to-end professional asset management solutions. The consultants will undertake systematic inspections of the National Highway assets through daily, weekly and monthly assessments using both visual inspections and modern equipment-based evaluation techniques. Based on these assessments, GMCs will identify maintenance requirements, safety interventions, defect rectification works, capacity augmentation measures and other improvement initiatives for the comfort of road users.

In addition, GMC will manage procurement of specialised contractors and agencies, supervise execution of works, certify completed works, recommend measures for improving toll plaza operations and traffic management, as well as ensure timely reporting and compliance with SEBI's regulatory framework governing Infrastructure Investment Trusts.

The initiative highlights NHAI’s continuous focus towards adopting global best practices in lifecycle management of National Highway infrastructure. This will help to create a dedicated ecosystem of professional O&M consultants with specialised expertise in National Highway asset management, while simultaneously generating new avenues for business, innovation and employment in the infrastructure sector.

Building upon this initiative, NHAI also plans to develop a robust ecosystem of specialised Operations and Maintenance contractors to further strengthen asset management capabilities across the National Highway network.

By strengthening governance standards, enhancing operational efficiencies and ensuring greater compliance with SEBI's regulatory requirements, the model will further reinforce investor confidence and facilitate increased investments from domestic and global investors in India’s National Highway assets.

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