USD 125.8 billion by 2032 | 30 Aug 2025

Source: PIB

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Project Aarohan to support the education of children of toll plaza employees.

Project Aarohan

• About: It is a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with Vertis Infrastructure Trust, implemented by SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares, aimed at children from economically weaker sections.
• Objectives: To eliminate financial barriers, ensure equal access to quality education, and nurture talent, thereby bridging socio-economic disparities.
• Key Features: Supports 500 students from Class 11 to undergraduate level with an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000, and 50 postgraduate students with Rs 50,000 each.
  • It provides mentorship, skill development, and career guidance. 
  • It gives priority to girls, first-generation learners, and students from economically weaker sections (EWS), SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
• Significance: 
  • Promotes Educational Equity: Provides financial support and mentorship to children of toll plaza employees from EWS, ensuring access to quality education.
  • Fosters Inclusive Growth: Prioritizes girls, first-generation learners, and students from marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC, minorities), helping bridge socio-economic disparities.
  • Develops Human Capital: Enhances career opportunities, skill development, talent nurturing, employment & entrepreneurship, contributing to nation-building.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

• NHAI was established under the NHAI Act, 1988 to oversee the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.
• National highways span 132,499 km, carrying 40% of India’s road traffic while accounting for only 2% of the road network.