The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), Norway, to strengthen technical expertise in tunnel engineering, slope stability, natural hazard mitigation and capacity building for National Highway infrastructure.
The MoU was signed recently in Oslo and will remain valid for five years. The agreement is aimed at supporting the planning, design, assessment and monitoring of critical highway infrastructure projects, particularly in geologically sensitive and challenging terrains.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Friday, 22 May, the collaboration reflects NHAI’s commitment to developing and maintaining India’s National Highways to global standards by using NGI’s internationally recognised expertise in geotechnical engineering and natural hazard mitigation.
Under the MoU, NGI will provide consultancy support for site characterisation of tunnel projects, feasibility studies, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for upcoming tunnel projects, structural assessment and safety audits of operational tunnels.
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The partnership will also cover advanced slope stability assessments to identify potential hazards and recommend suitable mitigation measures. It will include analysis and interpretation of InSAR data for slopes and the development of early warning systems to improve infrastructure safety.
The MoU also focuses on institutional capacity building and knowledge exchange. Both organisations will work together on research and development initiatives related to the reduction of natural hazards.
The highway sector’s technical capabilities are expected to be strengthened through joint workshops, seminars, technical training programmes and the publication of specialised technical literature.
The arrangement will remain non-exclusive and will be implemented on a project-to-project basis.
This means both NHAI and NGI will continue to have the flexibility to collaborate independently with other organisations when required.
The Ministry said the collaboration between NHAI and NGI will strengthen technical capabilities in the development of safe, sustainable and world-class National Highway infrastructure.
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