NHAI Join Hands with Geological Survey of India

NHAI-GSI
NHAI signs MoU with GSI (Image Credit: pib.gov.in)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has entered into a collaborative partnership with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to avail geotechnical consultancy services aimed at enhancing the resilience and strength of the national highway network.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is a government organization entrusted with the responsibility of planning, constructing, and maintaining National Highways across the country. Established to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy, NHAI plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless transportation and fostering economic development.

On the other hand, The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a geological organization, contributing to the understanding of the country’s geology and natural resources. Operating under the Ministry of Mines, GSI conducts geological surveys, research, and assessments to support informed decision-making in various sectors.

The aim of this collaboration between NHAI and GSI is to enlist the expertise of GSI in offering site-specific geotechnical consultancy services and aiding in the meticulous evaluation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) from a geotechnical perspective.

The MoU formalization took place in the presence of Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, and Saibal Ghosh, Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India. The signing ceremony was attended by other high-ranking officials from both NHAI and GSI.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Geological Survey of India will play a pivotal role in providing geotechnical insights tailored to specific sites identified by the NHAI. Additionally, their expertise will be harnessed to scrutinize and assess Detailed Project Reports, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation from a geotechnical standpoint.

This strategic collaboration underscores the dedication of NHAI to incorporating cutting-edge geotechnical knowledge and insights into the planning and execution of highway projects. The partnership with GSI is poised to contribute to the development and sustainability of the National Highways network.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is set to deliver specialized geotechnical consultancy services pertaining to the creation of a geological map for the designated area. This involves furnishing comprehensive geological features, conducting a thorough slope stability analysis for the road, and offering pertinent recommendations.

The scope of services also extends to identifying geologically vulnerable zones along various sections of National Highways, proposing site-specific remedial measures, executing 3D geological logging for tunnels within the project, and advising on necessary stabilization measures.

This collaboration between two government entities reflects a concerted effort to exchange and implement best practices, enhancing the quality of National Highways construction. The approach is expected not only to streamline the operations and maintenance of these highways but also to elevate the overall travel experience for users of the National Highway network.

This initiative signifies a stride towards achieving excellence in highway infrastructure, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the GSI and the NHAI. The comprehensive analysis of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) prepared by NHAI consultants further underscores the commitment to ensuring robust and well-informed decision-making in the realm of national infrastructure development.