NHAI and NCAER Partner to Launch India's First Centre for Transportation Economics

NHAI and NCAER Partner to Launch India's First Centre for Transportation Economics​

In a move aimed at revolutionizing policy formulation in infrastructure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). This collaboration marks the establishment of the NHAI Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics at NCAER. The center is positioned as India's first permanent and independent research institute dedicated entirely to this critical field.

The initiative was signed during an event held at NHAI HQ, attended by the Chairman NHAI, DG NCAER, and senior officials from both organizations. This groundbreaking partnership underscores NHAI's commitment to integrating rigorous data analytics and high-quality research into the management of India’s rapidly expanding National Highway network.

Driving Evidence-Based Policy in Transport Infrastructure​

The establishment of this Centre signifies a major step towards strengthening evidence-based policymaking across the entire transportation ecosystem. NHAI Chairman Sh. Santosh Kumar Yadav highlighted that this partnership with NCAER will create a dedicated platform for advanced policy analysis and research. The goal is to significantly strengthen planning, investment decisions, and asset management within the transport sector.

The Centre will serve as a dedicated hub for applied economic research focused on transportation, mobility, and logistics. Its primary function will be generating actionable insights that directly support long-term planning and strategic investment in India's road network.

Scope of Economic Research and Policy Focus Areas​

The Centre is tasked with undertaking policy-relevant research across a wide spectrum of thematic areas. These include National Highway economics, detailed freight logistics studies, modal integration challenges, and the regional economic impacts resulting from National Highway investments.

Furthermore, the Centre will delve into critical operational aspects such as toll policy, asset monetization strategies, and road safety interventions. The research outputs are designed to assist the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, and other government agencies in designing effective programs.

A Hub for Knowledge Dissemination and Talent Development​

Beyond pure research, the Centre is set up to be a vital knowledge hub for the entire transportation sector. It will disseminate its findings through flagship reports, working papers, policy briefs, and stakeholder consultations. The initiative also plays an integral role in developing future talent and strengthening institutional capacity within transportation economics.

The operational structure of the Centre includes an Advisory Committee comprising eminent academicians, public policy experts, and leading economists. Additionally, a Steering Committee, constituted by NHAI, will oversee research priorities to ensure alignment with the Authority's core policies and operational requirements.

NHAI has committed to supporting the establishment and sustained operation of this critical institution for a period of ten years. By fostering a deeper understanding of the economic dimensions of mobility networks, the Centre is set to enhance policy effectiveness and contribute significantly to building a modern, world-class National Highway network.