National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

ABOUT NHAI - National Highways Authority of India

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was constituted by an Act of Parliament, the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. It is responsible for the development, maintenance and management of National Highways entrusted to it and/or matters connected or incidental thereto. NHAI enters into Concession Agreements for design, construction, operation and maintenance of highways by DBFOT Concessionaires. The Concessionaire builds NH stretches and during operation and maintenance of the said stretch collects and retains the toll (user fee). In case of stretches developed on Govt. / NHAI Funds, NHAI engages OMT Concessionaire / User-Fee Collection Contractors.

During operation and maintenance of tolled stretches of National Highways (NHs), the DBFOT Concessionaires/ OMT Concessionaires / User Fee Collection Contractors have been mandated to collect user fee (toll) from road users. The applicable user-fee (toll) rates for various categories of vehicles shall be displayed at the respective Toll Plaza. Toll Information System (TIS) has been devised to put in place a mechanism, whereby the road users can ascertain through public domain the exact user fee (toll) rates for a particular plaza OR a particular journey between two stations through a selected route. In addition it will also help disseminate information about the concessions/ discounts to local and frequent users, provision of various facilities on toll road, important telephone numbers, etc.

Mandate

NHAI is mandated to implement National Highways Development Project (NHDP) which is India’s largest ever Highways Project in a phased manner. The National Highways have a total length of 1,32,499 (approx) km to serve as the arterial network of the country. Although National Highways constitute only about 2 per cent of the road network, it carries 40 per cent of the total road traffic. Rapid expansion of passenger and freight traffic makes it imperative to improve the road network in the country. Accordingly, Government of India launched major initiatives to upgrade and strengthen National Highways through various phases of National Highways Development Project (NHDP).

Vision

To meet the Nation’s need for provision and maintenance of National Highways network to global standards and to meet the user’s expectations in the most time-bound and cost-effective manner, within the strategic policy framework set by the Government of India and thus promote economic well-being and quality of life of the people.

Mission

• To develop, maintain and manage National Highways vested in it by the Government.
• To collect fees on National Highways, regulate and control the plying of vehicles on National Highways for its proper management.
• To develop and provide consultancy and construction services in India and abroad and carry on research activities in relation to the development, maintenance and management of highways or any other facilities there at.
• To advise the Central Government on matters relating to highways.
• To assist on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon, any State Government in the formulation and implementation of schemes for highway development.