New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) The National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), an InvIT sponsored by NHAI, has engaged general management consultants for effective operations and maintenance of National Highways under its portfolio, an official statement said on Thursday.

The consultants will undertake systematic inspections of the National Highway assets through daily, weekly and monthly assessments using both visual inspections and modern equipment-based evaluation techniques.

Based on these assessments, GMCs will identify maintenance requirements, safety interventions, defect rectification works, capacity augmentation measures and other improvement initiatives for the comfort of road users, said Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) was registered with SEBI in October 2020 and manages National Highway assets for a combined length of 2,653 kms.

In the first phase, O&M of 908 km-long National Highway assets will be managed by consultants.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing asset performance, improving operational efficiency and adopting the best global practices in management of operational National Highway assets.

In addition, GMC will manage procurement of specialised contractors and agencies, supervise execution of works, certify completed works, recommend measures for improving toll plaza operations and traffic management, as well as ensure timely reporting and compliance with SEBI’s regulatory framework governing Infrastructure Investment Trusts.

NHIT is supported by National Highways InvIT Project Managers Private Limited (NHIPMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NHAI, that functions as the Project Manager.

As a Project Manager, NHIPMPL is responsible for ensuring efficient Operation and Maintenance of the National Highway assets, either directly or through consultants, while maintaining robust reporting, disclosure and certification in accordance with SEBI InvIT Regulations.

The initiative highlights NHAI’s continuous focus towards adopting global best practices in lifecycle management of National Highway infrastructure.

According to the statement, this will help to create a dedicated ecosystem of professional O&M consultants with specialised expertise in National Highway asset management, while simultaneously generating new avenues for business, innovation and employment in the infrastructure sector.

–IANS

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