The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) to deepen collaboration on integrated rail–road infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, and the adoption of smart, sustainable transport solutions.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, along with senior officials from both organisations. Officials described the partnership as a step toward more coordinated planning across India’s transport networks.
Areas of Collaboration
Under the umbrella MoU, NHAI and KRCL will work together across several priority areas, including:
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Integrated rail–road infrastructure: Planning and development to improve seamless connectivity between highways and rail corridors.
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Multimodal logistics: Enabling efficient movement of goods and passengers through combined road–rail solutions.
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Tunnels and bridges: Sharing technical expertise for complex engineering works such as tunnels, bridges, and slope stabilisation in difficult terrain.
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Land monetisation and wayside amenities: Exploring opportunities to develop traveller-focused facilities and optimise asset use.
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Smart infrastructure: Deploying digital tools, IoT and other technologies to enhance safety, operations, and sustainability.
Strategic Significance
Officials said the partnership will help align road and rail development strategies, improve outcomes in challenging geographies, and deliver better value through shared expertise. The collaboration is also expected to support safer construction practices, faster project execution, and more sustainable infrastructure delivery.
The MoU provides a framework for technical knowledge-sharing, consultancy on specialised projects, and joint initiatives of mutual interest—strengthening India’s broader transport ecosystem.
About the Organisations
NHAI operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways across the country. KRCL, a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, is known for constructing and operating rail infrastructure along the western coast and for its expertise in complex projects involving tunnels and bridges.
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Officials said the partnership reflects a growing focus on integrated planning and future-ready mobility, with coordinated rail–road solutions expected to play a larger role in India’s infrastructure growth in the coming years.