NHAI’s sustainability push: Greenhouse gas emissions dip, even as highway construction picks up pace
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took a step towards sustainable development, announcing that its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity has been reduced to 0.8 MTCO₂e per kilometre from 1.0 MTCO2e/km. This drop comes even as national highway construction rose by 20% in FY 2023–24, the agency said in its latest Sustainability Report.The comprehensive 2023–24 report outlines NHAI’s approach to embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles across its operations. A key highlight was the Authority’s progress towards a circular economy. More than 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled materials, including fly ash, plastic waste and reclaimed asphalt, were used in highway construction during the year.“In addition to this, NHAI continued to undertake nationwide tree plantation drives along the national highways,” the report noted, cited by ET. In FY 2023-24, over 56 lakh saplings were planted, followed by 67.47 lakh in FY 2024–25, taking the total to over 4.69 crore trees since the launch of the Green Highways Policy in 2015. The initiative, NHAI said, has contributed to the creation of significant carbon sinks and improved environmental sustainability along key road corridors.NHAI also reported the development of 467 water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar Mission. These efforts have not only revived local water sources but also yielded nearly 2.4 crore cubic metres of soil for use in highway projects, resulting in estimated savings of around Rs 16,690 crore. Additionally, water use intensity dropped by 74% in water-stressed regions compared to previous years, ET quoted.On the human resources front, the Authority said 100% of its workforce, both direct employees and contract workers, are now covered under its Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework. The organisation also reported zero instances of workplace discrimination, underlining its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.On the technology side, NHAI highlighted the implementation of ‘Data Lake 3.0’, an AI-enabled platform that has enhanced project oversight and helped resolve 155 conciliation claims, delivering estimated savings of Rs 25,680 crore. Meanwhile, FASTag usage reached 98.5% nationwide, easing congestion and reducing vehicle emissions at toll plazas.