CONSTRUCTION WORLD Man of the Year - Public Sector
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

CONSTRUCTION WORLD Man of the Year - Public Sector

Raghav Chandra Chairman, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

Raghav Chandra has been at the helm of paving the roadways for India. Currently, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, Chandra has been assigned with the role of developing, operating and maintaining national highways across the country. This is what is known to be the largest ongoing infrastructure programme across the world. Under his leadership, several important changes in the highways programme have been ushered in NHAI´s working. This is evident from the fresh projects that are being awarded by the authority - in full swing - to improve the pace of construction in an efficient and effective manner. Speedy delivery, higher quality and enhanced commuter comfort is on his agenda, as he also shares with us û see the following page.

An alumnus of the prestigious St. Stephen´s College, Delhi University, and the Harvard University, USA, where he was an Edward S Mason Fellow, Chandra is an officer from the 1982 batch of the IAS. He has written extensively for national journals on management and economic issues.

In Madhya Pradesh, he has been District Magistrate Khandwa and Jabalpur Districts; Founder and Managing Director of the MP Road Corporation; Managing Director of the State Industrial Development Corporation; CEO of the MP Housing Board; Chairman of SEZ Indore; Chairman, Pithampur Auto Cluster; Managing Director of the State Civil Supplies Corporation and Principal Secretary of the Departments of Urban Administration and Revenue. As part of Government of India, he has been the Director in the Ministry of Commerce, Joint Secretary Highways in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Additional Secretary-cum-Financial Advisor for the Ministries of Agriculture and Culture.

And, this year, he has been voted as the CONSTRUCTION WORLD Man of the Year - Public Sector. It is with privilege that CW honours this leader and we wish him highways to success in times to come.

Letter World's Largest Infrastructure Programme Improvements in the quality of highways, the upgradation of the highway network and development of highways connectivity has very strong multiplier benefits for all sectors of the economy. The NHAI is, accordingly, firing on all fronts to award fresh projects and to improve the pace of construction in an effective and efficient manner. This is reflected in the substantial increase in sales of construction machinery, consumption of bitumen, cement and steel. The projects that are being undertaken today are far more complex than those undertaken earlier. We are, therefore, particularly taking care to provide the requisite safety features and road furniture, which were hitherto overlooked. There is also an enhanced emphasis on prioritising those roads, which carry more freight and connect places of economic importance. Apart from economic efficiency corridors, we will also be focusing on improving the travel experience on the highways by bringing electronic tolling, better highway services such as wayside amenities, emergency response system and Automated Traffic Management Systems. We will also create a network of logistics hubs, which will help regulate the traffic on the highways. A major programme for decongestion of Delhi-Gurgaon corridor has been launched. Expressway planning and roll-out is another significant measure initiated. Overall, project monitoring has improved, and despite the complexity of the new projects, we are going all out to ensure speedy delivery, higher quality and enhanced commuter comfort.

Raghav Chandra Chairman, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Raghav Chandra has been at the helm of paving the roadways for India. Currently, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, Chandra has been assigned with the role of developing, operating and maintaining national highways across the country. This is what is known to be the largest ongoing infrastructure programme across the world. Under his leadership, several important changes in the highways programme have been ushered in NHAI´s working. This is evident from the fresh projects that are being awarded by the authority - in full swing - to improve the pace of construction in an efficient and effective manner. Speedy delivery, higher quality and enhanced commuter comfort is on his agenda, as he also shares with us û see the following page. An alumnus of the prestigious St. Stephen´s College, Delhi University, and the Harvard University, USA, where he was an Edward S Mason Fellow, Chandra is an officer from the 1982 batch of the IAS. He has written extensively for national journals on management and economic issues. In Madhya Pradesh, he has been District Magistrate Khandwa and Jabalpur Districts; Founder and Managing Director of the MP Road Corporation; Managing Director of the State Industrial Development Corporation; CEO of the MP Housing Board; Chairman of SEZ Indore; Chairman, Pithampur Auto Cluster; Managing Director of the State Civil Supplies Corporation and Principal Secretary of the Departments of Urban Administration and Revenue. As part of Government of India, he has been the Director in the Ministry of Commerce, Joint Secretary Highways in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Additional Secretary-cum-Financial Advisor for the Ministries of Agriculture and Culture. And, this year, he has been voted as the CONSTRUCTION WORLD Man of the Year - Public Sector. It is with privilege that CW honours this leader and we wish him highways to success in times to come. Letter World's Largest Infrastructure Programme Improvements in the quality of highways, the upgradation of the highway network and development of highways connectivity has very strong multiplier benefits for all sectors of the economy. The NHAI is, accordingly, firing on all fronts to award fresh projects and to improve the pace of construction in an effective and efficient manner. This is reflected in the substantial increase in sales of construction machinery, consumption of bitumen, cement and steel. The projects that are being undertaken today are far more complex than those undertaken earlier. We are, therefore, particularly taking care to provide the requisite safety features and road furniture, which were hitherto overlooked. There is also an enhanced emphasis on prioritising those roads, which carry more freight and connect places of economic importance. Apart from economic efficiency corridors, we will also be focusing on improving the travel experience on the highways by bringing electronic tolling, better highway services such as wayside amenities, emergency response system and Automated Traffic Management Systems. We will also create a network of logistics hubs, which will help regulate the traffic on the highways. A major programme for decongestion of Delhi-Gurgaon corridor has been launched. Expressway planning and roll-out is another significant measure initiated. Overall, project monitoring has improved, and despite the complexity of the new projects, we are going all out to ensure speedy delivery, higher quality and enhanced commuter comfort.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

REC Transfers HVDC Project to Power Grid

REC Limited has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This strategic move aligns with the nation's objectives to strengthen its power transmission network. Key Highlights: Project Overview: The HVDC project, under the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) initiative, is a critical component of India's push toward robust and efficient electricity transmission. It aims to handle bulk power transfer across long distances while ensuring minimal losses. Role of RE..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NF Railway Collaborates with IIT Guwahati

The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Guwahati to foster technological advancements and improve railway operations in the region. This partnership focuses on innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail infrastructure. Key Highlights: Purpose of MoUs: The collaboration aims to leverage IIT Guwahati's expertise in technology and research for implementing cutting-edge solutions across railway operations. Key areas of focus include: Automation and digitization in maintenance. Sustainability initiati..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Danapur Division Modernization Plans Revealed

The Railway Board has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion and modernization of the Danapur Division, a critical hub under the East Central Railway. The initiative focuses on infrastructure development, enhanced passenger amenities, and operational efficiency. Key Highlights: Scope of Modernization: The Railway Board's blueprint emphasizes: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate more passenger and freight traffic. Improving station facilities, such as platforms, waiting areas, and connectivity. Introducing advanced signal systems for safer and smoother operations. Freig..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000