SECI and NHAI Partner to Power Highways with Solar Energy

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to install solar power plants along the elevated stretch of Package-1 (Delhi portion) of the Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun highway (NH-709B) under Phase-1.

The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra. Also present were V. Umashankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Sanjay Sharma, Director, SECI Limited.

Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure

This strategic agreement seeks to leverage highway infrastructure for renewable energy generation, marking a pioneering effort in integrating solar power with transportation networks, MoRTH noted. 

The planned solar installations aim to power highway infrastructure, reduce operational carbon footprints, and serve as a model for green infrastructure development across India.

Address by MoRTH Minister

Minister Harsh Malhotra emphasised that the SECI-NHAI collaboration will open new pathways for creating innovative, environmentally responsible highway solutions.

Launched with intentions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy self-sufficiency, and contribute to a cleaner environment, he noted that the project demonstrates the feasibility of integrating renewable energy systems with infrastructure projects—setting a precedent for future developments under India’s green transition agenda.

“This collaboration underscores our dedication to creating sustainable and energy-efficient road infrastructure that aligns with India’s climate commitments,” Malhotra added, reaffirming the government’s vision of building eco-friendly and resilient national highways powered by clean energy.

Solarising Highways in India

This marks an addition to an emerging trend of highway solarisation in India. Recently, MSRDC also announced installations of solar panels on Hindu Hridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as Samruddhi Expressway. A total of 204 MW of solar capacity is planned to be installed along the length of the expressway. One hopes SECI's direct involcement will mean better upkeep and O&M of these plants, as the visible experience so far has frankly been terrible, on the 'green highways' we have seen so far.