New Delhi: In a major step towards promoting sustainable infrastructure and achieving India’s Net Zero target by 2070, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the installation of solar power plants along the elevated section of Package-1 (Delhi portion) of the Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun Highway (NH-709B).
The MoU has been signed in the presence of Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' (MoRTH) Secretary V Umashankar and SECL's Director Sanjay Sharma were also present at the occasion.
The partnership aims to harness solar energy for powering highway infrastructure, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy integration in road development projects. This initiative will not only generate renewable energy but also serve as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure planning and implementation across the country.
Speaking at the event, Malhotra emphasized that the collaboration between SECI and NHAI reflects the Government’s strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. “By leveraging solar power, we are taking a decisive step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a cleaner environment. This project demonstrates how renewable energy can be seamlessly integrated with infrastructure development,” he said.
The initiative is expected to set a precedent for similar renewable energy projects on national highways, reinforcing India’s broader agenda of sustainable growth and green transition in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
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