The National Highways Authority of India has signed an MoU with the National Council of Applied Economic Research to establish the NHAI Centre for Economics of Transportation, Mobility and Logistics, India's first independent research centre dedicated to transportation economics.

The centre will focus on policy-oriented research in areas such as highway economics, freight logistics, toll policy, asset monetisation, road safety, mobility, and technology adoption in highway operations. It aims to support evidence-based policymaking and enhance planning, investment, and asset management decisions in the transport sector.

NHAI will support the institution for a period of 10 years, while NCAER will mobilise contributions from allied institutions and partners. The initiative is expected to strengthen research capabilities, improve policy effectiveness, and contribute to the development of a modern and efficient national highway network.