NHAI Sustainability Report 2023-24:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its second Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, detailing significant achievements in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations.
- The report aligns with India’s Mission LiFE, and the principles of a circular economy.
- Despite a 20% increase in National Highway construction, NHAI successfully reduced its GHG emission intensity from 1.0 to 0.8 MTCO₂e/km, demonstrating a clear decoupling of construction growth from environmental harm.
- In FY 2023–24, NHAI utilized over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, significantly reducing construction waste and enhancing resource efficiency.
- Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, NHAI has developed 467 water bodies across the country.
- These efforts have also resulted in the recovery of 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil, leading to estimated cost savings of ₹16,690 crore in construction material.
- The report notes a 74% reduction in water use intensity in water-stressed regions, reflecting NHAI’s commitment to water conservation in infrastructure development.
- NHAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways in India.
- It was established under the NHAI Act, 1988 and became operational in February 1995.
