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National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) | Ministry of Railways
The NHAI and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a broad framework for integrated infrastructure development. The partnership aims to leverage the technical expertise of both organizations to optimize resources and address engineering challenges in complex terrains. Central to the agreement is the planning of shared assets, including rail-cum-road bridges, tunnels, and Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) at intersections where National Highways and railway lines coexist.
Technical Cooperation and Safety Audits
The collaboration provides NHAI with access to KRCL’s specialized experience in executing projects under difficult geological conditions.
Design and Safety: KRCL will provide support for the proof-checking of designs and safety aspects for complex bridges, tunnels, and slope stabilization projects.
Operational Audits: The agreement covers safety and quality audits for existing infrastructure, as well as joint training programs for NHAI staff at KRCL’s training facilities.
Project Management: Both entities will share best practices in environmental management, innovative construction materials, and handling geological challenges.
Logistics and Asset Optimization
The MoU emphasizes enhancing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement through better network integration.
First and Last Mile Connectivity: Joint efforts will focus on planning dedicated freight linkages and efficient connectivity solutions to streamline goods movement.
Land Utilization: NHAI and KRCL will explore the commercial development of surplus or underutilized land parcels along their respective corridors for logistics and other infrastructure facilities.
Digital Solutions: The partnership envisages the adoption of advanced technologies for traffic and asset management, along with data sharing to improve operational efficiency.
What is a “Common Utility Corridor” in integrated infrastructure? A common utility corridor is a designated, shared space within a highway or railway right-of-way that houses multiple public utilities such as power lines, fiber optic cables, and water pipelines. By planning these corridors jointly, NHAI and KRCL can prevent frequent road excavations, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure that essential services are integrated into the primary infrastructure design from the outset.
Policy Relevance
This collaboration marks a significant step toward the “Whole-of-Government” approach envisioned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Cost and Time Efficiency: Integrated planning for rail-cum-road structures reduces the land acquisition burden and prevents redundant construction, leading to significant savings for the exchequer.
Resilience in Difficult Terrains: Accessing KRCL’s expertise in the Western Ghats will enhance the safety and structural integrity of NHAI projects in the Himalayan and hilly regions.
Multimodal Logistics Expansion: The joint identification of land for MMLPs supports the National Logistics Policy’s goal of reducing logistics costs from 13-14% to single digits.
Digital Asset Management: Jointly adopting digital solutions for project monitoring ensures that India’s “Digital Highways” are integrated with railway tracking systems for real-time visibility.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the Joint Working Group (JWG) ensure that the “Integrated Infrastructure” projects prioritized under this MoU are aligned with the high-speed data requirements of India’s evolving Digital Highway corridors?
Follow the full news here: NHAI and Konkan Railway Sign MoU to Strengthen Integrated Infrastructure Development