HomeInfrastructureNHAI releases FY 2023–24 Sustainability Report highlighting ESG-led infrastructure commitment

NHAI releases FY 2023–24 Sustainability Report highlighting ESG-led infrastructure commitment

hways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second consecutive Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, reaffirming a robust commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible infrastructure development. This comprehensive document highlights NHAI’s integrated framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, showcasing significant strides towards India’s global climate commitments and the vision for a sustainable future, crucial for building zero net carbon, eco-friendly cities.

Launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the report underscores a remarkable achievement: despite a 20 per cent increase in National Highway construction during FY 2023–24, NHAI successfully reduced its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km. This demonstrates a clear decoupling of construction growth from carbon emissions, a critical indicator of sustainable development and a testament to the efficacy of green building practices in large-scale infrastructure projects.

A central pillar of NHAI’s sustainability efforts is the promotion of a circular economy. In the reported year, over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled and reused materials, including fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, were incorporated into highway construction. This innovative approach not only diverts substantial waste from landfills but also conserves virgin resources, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of road building. Such practices are indispensable for cities striving to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.

Furthermore, the report highlights an aggressive push towards afforestation and plantation, with over 56 lakh saplings planted in FY 2023–24 and an additional 67.47 lakh in 2024–25. This brings the total tree plantation count to over 4.69 crore since the rollout of the Green Highways Policy in 2015. These large-scale greening initiatives create vital carbon sinks, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality along India’s highways, contributing directly to healthier urban and peri-urban environments.

On the social front, NHAI has reinforced its commitment to inclusive and safe work practices, ensuring all direct employees and contract workers are covered under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management Framework. The organisation also proudly reported zero instances of workplace discrimination, underlining its dedication to diversity and equity. These social safeguards are crucial for building gender-neutral and equitable cities, ensuring that the benefits of infrastructure development extend to all individuals involved in its creation and operation.

Technology has played a transformative role in these achievements. The AI-driven Data Lake 3.0 platform has streamlined project management and resolved 155 conciliation claims, yielding estimated savings of approximately ₹25,680 crore. The widespread adoption of FASTag, with a penetration rate of 98.5 per cent, has further reduced congestion at toll plazas, leading to decreased vehicular emissions and a lower overall carbon footprint. These technological advancements are key enablers for efficient, sustainable, and smart urban infrastructure development, paving the way for a greener and more prosperous India.

Also Read: India Decentralises Highway Project Prioritisation For Faster Growth

NHAI releases FY 2023–24 Sustainability Report highlighting ESG-led infrastructure commitment
RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

Latest News

Recent Comments