In a significant move to bridge the gap between academia and infrastructure development, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out a nationwide internship program exclusively for students. This initiative aims to provide hands-on experience in highway construction, maintenance, and project management to the youth, fostering the next generation of infrastructure experts.
The program, announced on Wednesday, targets engineering students from across the country, particularly those pursuing civil engineering, transportation engineering, and related fields. Selected interns will work on live projects, gaining insights into cutting-edge technologies like intelligent transportation systems, green highways, and toll management. NHAI officials emphasized that this step is part of their broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s ambitious highway expansion plans.
Applications for the first batch are now open through the NHAI official portal. The internships, lasting 3 to 6 months, will offer stipends, certification upon completion, and potential absorption opportunities for top performers. Industry experts hail this as a proactive measure amid the sector’s rapid growth, with over 35,000 km of highways under construction currently.
This program comes at a time when India is witnessing unprecedented infrastructure push under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, aiming to develop 83,000 km of national highways. By involving students early, NHAI is not only addressing skill shortages but also inspiring innovation in road safety, sustainable materials, and digital monitoring systems. Educational institutions have welcomed the move, with several already tying up for seamless placements.
As the nation races towards a $5 trillion economy, initiatives like this underscore the importance of youth empowerment in critical sectors. NHAI’s internship program sets a benchmark for other PSUs, promising to shape future leaders who will drive India’s connectivity revolution forward.