The National Highways Authority of India, or NHAI, has released its second annual Sustainability Report for 2023-24, highlighting the progress in integrating ESG principles into its operations.
The report, unveiled by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, underscores NHAI’s commitment to environmental protection and energy conservation, aligning with India’s ‘Mission LiFE’ and circular economy vision.
Key findings:
GHG Emissions Reduction:
- Despite a 20% increase in national highway construction in FY 2023-24, NHAI reduced its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity from 1.0 MTCO2e/km to 0.8 MTCO2e/km.
- Circularity: Over 631 lakh metric tons of recycled and reused materials (fly ash, plastic waste, reclaimed asphalt) were utilized in national highway construction in FY 2023-24.
Tree Plantation:
- FY 2023-24: Over 56 lakh saplings planted.
- FY 2024-25: 67.47 lakh saplings planted.
- Total since Green Highways Policy 2015: Over 4.69 crore saplings.
Water Body Rejuvenation (Amrit Sarovar Mission):
- 467 water bodies developed.
- Nearly 2.4 crore cubic meters of soil were provided for highway construction.
- Estimated savings: Approximately Rs 16,690 crore.
- Water Use Intensity Reduction: 74% reduction in water-stressed regions compared to the previous report.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS):
- Workplace Discrimination: Zero instances reported.
- 100% of direct employees and contract workers covered.
- AI-powered ‘Data Lake 3.0’: Resolved 155 conciliation claims.
- Estimated savings: About Rs 25,680 crore.
FASTag Penetration: 98.5%.
A major focus of NHAI’s sustainability efforts is the promotion of a circular economy. In FY 2023-24, the authority utilized over 631 lakh metric tons of recycled and reused materials, including fly-ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt, in highway construction.
