NHAI's NHIT appoints general management consultants for 2,653 km highway O&M
Synopsis
NHAI's highway investment trust NHIT has brought in professional general management consultants to oversee operations and maintenance of 2,653 km of national highways — with the first 908 km phase already under way. It is a structural shift from reactive upkeep to a data-driven, globally benchmarked O&M model, and a signal that India's highway monetisation framework is maturing beyond asset transfer into active lifecycle management.
Key Takeaways
NHIT , NHAI's InvIT, has appointed general management consultants (GMCs) for professional O&M of its highway portfolio.
NHIT manages 2,653 km of National Highway assets and has been registered with SEBI since October 2020 .
The first phase covers 908 km of National Highway assets under GMC supervision.
GMCs will conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections using visual and equipment-based techniques.
The framework also covers toll plaza management, contractor procurement, and SEBI InvIT regulatory compliance.
The initiative is expected to create a professional O&M ecosystem, generating employment and business opportunities in the infrastructure sector.
The National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has appointed general management consultants (GMCs) to oversee the operations and maintenance (O&M) of National Highway assets under its portfolio, according to an official statement issued on Thursday, 16 July. The move is aimed at institutionalising professional asset management across 2,653 km of national highway infrastructure currently held by NHIT.
Scope of the Consultant Mandate
The GMCs will carry out structured inspections of highway assets on daily, weekly, and monthly cycles, deploying both visual assessments and modern equipment-based evaluation techniques. Based on their findings, they will identify maintenance needs, safety interventions, defect rectification requirements, capacity augmentation measures, and broader improvement initiatives for road users.
In the first phase, the consultants will manage O&M for a 908 km stretch of National Highway assets — roughly a third of NHIT's total portfolio. Subsequent phases are expected to cover the remaining network.
Procurement, Supervision, and Regulatory Compliance
Beyond inspections, the GMCs will handle procurement of specialised contractors and agencies, supervise execution of works, certify completed works, and recommend improvements to toll plaza operations and traffic management. They will also be responsible for ensuring timely reporting and compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (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 Project Manager. NHIPMPL is responsible for ensuring efficient O&M — directly or through consultants — while maintaining robust reporting, disclosure, and certification in line with SEBI InvIT Regulations.
About NHIT and Its SEBI Registration
NHIT was registered with SEBI in October 2020 and currently manages National Highway assets spanning a combined length of 2,653 km. As an InvIT, it provides a structured vehicle for monetising operational highway assets while channelling institutional capital into infrastructure upkeep.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways noted that the initiative is designed to enhance asset performance, improve operational efficiency, and adopt global best practices in the lifecycle management of highway infrastructure.
Broader Impact on the Infrastructure Sector
According to the official statement, the GMC framework is expected to create a dedicated ecosystem of professional O&M consultants with specialised expertise in National Highway asset management. This, in turn, is anticipated to generate new avenues for business, innovation, and employment in the infrastructure sector — aligning with NHAI's stated focus on long-term lifecycle management of its highway network.
With the first phase covering 908 km already under way, the initiative signals a structural shift in how India's highway trust manages its operational assets — moving from ad hoc maintenance to a data-driven, professionally supervised model.
Point of View
But the real test will be whether the GMC framework delivers measurable improvements in road user safety metrics and asset longevity, rather than becoming another layer of reporting without on-ground impact. If it works, it could become the template for how India manages all monetised highway assets going forward.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT)?
NHIT is an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) sponsored by NHAI, registered with SEBI in October 2020. It manages National Highway assets spanning 2,653 km and is supported by NHIPMPL, a wholly owned NHAI subsidiary, as its Project Manager.
Why has NHIT appointed general management consultants?
NHIT has engaged GMCs to bring professional, structured oversight to the operations and maintenance of its highway assets. The consultants will conduct regular inspections, identify maintenance and safety needs, supervise contractors, and ensure compliance with SEBI's InvIT regulations — replacing ad hoc maintenance with a data-driven model.
How many kilometres of highways will be covered in the first phase?
The first phase covers 908 km of National Highway assets. This represents roughly a third of NHIT's total 2,653 km portfolio, with subsequent phases expected to extend the GMC mandate further.
What specific tasks will the general management consultants perform?
The GMCs will carry out daily, weekly, and monthly inspections using visual and equipment-based methods; identify defects, safety gaps, and capacity needs; manage procurement of specialised contractors; supervise and certify completed works; recommend toll plaza and traffic management improvements; and ensure timely SEBI regulatory reporting.
What is the broader significance of this initiative for India's highway sector?
The initiative is designed to build a professional ecosystem of O&M specialists for National Highway asset management. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, it is expected to generate new business, innovation, and employment opportunities in the infrastructure sector while establishing global best-practice standards for highway lifecycle management in India.
