Highway Operators Association (India) Host National Conference 2026 on ‘Persistent Growth: Powering India’s Highways of Tomorrow’

New Delhi, March 2, 2026: The Highway Operators Association of India (HOA(I)), in a high-level partnership with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), successfully hosted the HOA(I) National Conference 2026. Held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, the summit centered on the theme “Persistent Growth: Powering India’s Highways of Tomorrow,” drawing together a powerful assembly of policymakers, global investors, and technological pioneers, HOA(I) said in a press statement. 

The conference served as a strategic platform to evaluate the rapid evolution of India’s road network. Key deliberations focused on the shift toward a “barrierless” travel experience, with experts discussing the nationwide transition to Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling systems. The agenda also prioritized road safety, emphasizing the integration of Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) to reduce fatalities and improve emergency response outcomes.

A major highlight of the summit was the focus on the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP). Discussions revealed the significant momentum of NHAI’s asset monetization, which reached ₹31,668 crore in FY2024. The Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) model was lauded as a mature platform, having unlocked ₹17,738 crore in the last fiscal year alone. Leaders also explored extending these successful monetization frameworks to state governments to accelerate regional capital recycling.

Sustainability took center stage as industry experts advocated for the “Green Highway” initiative. Proposals included increasing the use of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) to 60%, a move aimed at significantly reducing the environmental footprint of highway maintenance and construction.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zafar Khan, President of HOA(I) and Joint CEO of Vertis Infrastructure Trust, shared: “Today’s discussions demonstrated the collective resolve of the government and industry to shape a safer, smarter, and more efficient national highway network. The dialogue we witnessed has reaffirmed that India’s infrastructure growth is strongest when rooted in partnership, transparency, and innovation. The insights shared today will guide our journey forward as we work to enhance the national corridors that connect people, drive commerce, and power the country’s progress.”

The event featured an elite roster of speakers, including Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State (MoRTH); V. Umashankar IAS, Secretary (MoRTH); and several key members of the NHAI board. By bridging the gap between government vision and private sector execution, the HOA(I) National Conference 2026 has set a clear trajectory for an automated, sustainable, and financially robust highway ecosystem in India.