The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) to promote coordinated development of rail, road, and multimodal infrastructure across the country. KRCL is a public sector enterprise functioning under the Ministry of Railways.
The agreement establishes a broad framework for cooperation between the two organisations, focusing on optimising resources and exploring joint opportunities that support integrated infrastructure growth and improved connectivity. The MoU was signed at NHAI’s headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials from both NHAI and KRCL.
Under the arrangement, NHAI and KRCL will work together to identify and plan projects of common interest, with a strong emphasis on aligning road and rail infrastructure development. The collaboration is expected to be particularly beneficial in regions with difficult terrain, where integrated planning can enhance efficiency, safety, and economic outcomes.
The partnership covers joint planning of infrastructure such as rail-cum-road bridges, tunnels, multimodal logistics parks, intermodal hubs, grade separators at highway–rail intersections, and shared utility corridors wherever feasible. KRCL’s expertise in executing projects in challenging geographical conditions will support NHAI through design reviews, safety checks, and technical assistance for complex bridge, tunnel, and slope stabilisation works. The agreement also includes safety and quality audits of existing tunnels and slope protection systems, along with training programmes for NHAI personnel at KRCL’s training facilities.
Both organisations will also exchange technical knowledge and best practices in areas such as project management, engineering design, construction techniques, geological risk management, and environmental safeguards. The MoU provides scope for joint research and development in new construction materials and methods, as well as project-specific consultancy support.
In addition, NHAI and KRCL will explore the joint use of surplus or underutilised land along national highways and the Konkan Railway corridor for commercial development, logistics infrastructure, and other allied projects. Improving freight and passenger movement through better first-mile and last-mile connectivity, enhanced rail–road integration, and potential freight corridor linkages will also be a key focus area.
The collaboration further includes the adoption of advanced technologies and digital tools for project monitoring, traffic and asset management, smart infrastructure solutions, and data sharing to improve planning and operational efficiency.
To ensure smooth implementation, a Joint Working Group with representatives from both organisations will be formed. The group will identify potential projects, undertake feasibility assessments, prepare detailed proposals, track progress, and address operational challenges. The MoU will remain in force for an initial period of five years.
This partnership highlights NHAI’s focus on integrated planning, efficient utilisation of public resources, and the creation of future-ready infrastructure to support India’s long-term development goals.