National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)

The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been in the news recently due to the suspension of traffic on NH10 from Sikkim and Kalimpong to Siliguri because of a landslide and cave-ins. This has caused disruptions on a 30 km stretch, which is currently undergoing repairs by NHIDCL.

About NHIDCL

• Incorporation:
  NHIDCL was incorporated on July 18, 2014, under the Companies Act, 2013, as a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU). It is a wholly-owned Government entity.

• Role:
  NHIDCL is exclusively tasked with constructing, upgrading, and widening national highways in specific regions of India, particularly those that share international boundaries with neighboring countries. The aim is to promote regional connectivity and economic integration across borders.

• Mission & Vision:
  The corporation supports the Government of India’s vision for enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth, particularly under the framework of India’s "Act East Policy".

Operational Domain

NHIDCL’s operations are concentrated in strategic regions of India, including:

• Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• State: Uttarakhand.

• Region: Entire Northeastern Region (NER), which is vital for India’s economic and geopolitical strategy.

Infrastructure Focus

NHIDCL is responsible for a wide range of infrastructure development projects, such as:

• Tunnels

• Logistics Hubs

• Interstate and International Road Linkages

• Advanced Mobility Facilities

These are essential for India’s economic growth, border connectivity, and geopolitical interests.

Strategic Role in the Northeast

• Pivotal in Northeast Connectivity: NHIDCL plays a key role as the nodal agency in the Northeastern region, which is crucial for the government’s focus on the "Act East Policy". This policy emphasizes stronger ties with Southeast Asia and the East Asian region, with a focus on connectivity and infrastructure.

NHIDCL’s work is critical for the national development agenda, especially in terms of improving infrastructure in regions that are geographically strategic for both economic and geopolitical reasons. By strengthening road networks, logistics, and border connectivity, NHIDCL is facilitating greater integration of India’s Northeastern states with the rest of the country and the broader Asia-Pacific region.