In a first of its kind exercise, NHAI conducted detailed mapping of the origin of construction labour engaged in projects, collecting data to village level to identify regions from which workers travel to sites. The assessment identified key labour-origin clusters in 49 districts across eight states including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. The data-driven approach will enable targeted training closer to worker locations, improving accessibility, participation and long-term retention of trained manpower.

To establish a sustainable framework, NHAI has identified local institutions such as Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), diploma colleges and engineering colleges to be engaged as training centres. The initiative includes upskilling experienced workers with seven to eight years of experience to develop them as master trainers who will train fresh manpower. Respective NHAI field officers will serve as nodal officers for regional implementation and coordination with training partners. A dedicated training website will act as a central repository for capsule videos and course material to support continuous learning.

The programme will be implemented in partnership with volunteering National Highway construction companies, with NHAI providing seed funding while participating firms contribute under their corporate social responsibility commitments. The initiative is expected to strengthen the skill base, enhance quality and efficiency of construction and build a resilient, future-ready workforce to support sustainable maintenance of the highway network.