India, Norway Strengthen Highway Infrastructure Cooperation Through NHAI-NGI Pact

New Delhi, May 22 (KNN) The National Highways Authority of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute in Oslo to strengthen technical expertise for the development and maintenance of national highway infrastructure, particularly in geologically sensitive and challenging terrains.

The agreement focuses on consultancy support in tunnel engineering, slope stability analysis, monitoring systems and institutional capacity building.

Under the MoU, the Norwegian institute will assist in site characterisation for tunnel projects, preparation of feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports, structural assessment and safety audits of operational tunnels, and advanced slope stability assessments for hazard identification and mitigation planning.

The collaboration will also include analysis and interpretation of InSAR data for slope monitoring and development of early warning systems aimed at improving infrastructure safety.

In addition to consultancy support, both organisations will undertake joint research and development initiatives related to natural hazard reduction.

The partnership will also include workshops, seminars, technical training programmes and publication of technical literature to strengthen technical capabilities in the highway sector.

The MoU is non-exclusive and project-based, allowing both organisations to independently collaborate with other entities when required. The agreement will remain valid for five years.

According to NHAI, the partnership is expected to strengthen technical capabilities for the development of safe and sustainable highway infrastructure while also expanding India-Norway cooperation in infrastructure development, technology exchange and engineering practices.

(KNN Bureau)