The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released its second consecutive Sustainability Report for FY 2023–24, highlighting its efforts to balance rapid infrastructure development with environmental and social responsibility.

Key Highlights of the Report

The comprehensive report details NHAI’s robust framework for integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations

• Reduction in GHG Emission Intensity: Despite a 20% increase in highway construction, NHAI reduced its Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity from 1.0 MTCO₂e/km to 0.8 MTCO₂e/km, showing effective decoupling of growth from emissions.
• Promotion of Circular Economy : Over 631 lakh metric tonnes of recycled materials such as fly ash, plastic waste, and reclaimed asphalt were used in road construction, supporting resource conservation and waste minimization.
• Tree Plantation Drives: Under the Green Highways Policy (2015), over 4.69 crore saplings have been planted, including 56 lakh in 2023–24 and 67.47 lakh in early 2024–25, enhancing carbon sequestration.

• Water Conservation Measures: 467 water bodies were rejuvenated under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, yielding 2.4 crore cubic metres of soil for road building and ₹16,690 crore in savings.
• Digital Transformation : Implementation of AI-based Data Lake 3.0 streamlined project management and resolved 155 conciliation claims, saving ₹25,680 crore.
  • 98.5% FASTag penetration cut toll congestion and emissions.

Sustainable Initiatives of NHAI

• Water Efficiency: Achieved 74% reduction in water-use intensity in water-stressed regions.
• Wildlife Protection: NHAI has integrated ‘Best Practice Guidance Document on Eco-friendly measures to mitigate impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife’, to alleviate man-animal conflict.  
  • It includes practices like  constructing underpasses, overpasses, and ecoducts (land bridges) to facilitate safe animal movement across roads and railway lines.

• Occupational Safety and Inclusion: 100% coverage of direct and contract workers under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Framework with zero workplace discrimination reported.
• Green Energy and Infrastructure: Expansion of renewable energy, green highways, and integrated waste management practices.

Conclusion

The 2023–24 Sustainability Report reaffirms NHAI’s commitment to India’s global climate goals under Mission LiFE and the circular economy model, setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible infrastructure development.

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