Alongside the program, NHAI has unveiled a dedicated Internship Portal that centralizes internship opportunities across over 150 major National Highway projects nationwide. Each project can host up to four interns, creating an initial pool of nearly 600 students from premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, and AICTE-affiliated institutes. Internship durations range from one month to six months, with a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 to support learning and professional growth.
Alignment with NEP 2020 and Experiential Learning
The program aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages experimental learning, industry exposure, and flexible credit-linked internships. Interns will gain active, field-based experience in planning, engineering, and implementing National Highway projects, rather than just observational exposure.
Scope for Engineering and Technology Students
While the primary focus is on Civil Engineering students, opportunities are also available for IT, Electronics, and Electrical Engineering students, particularly in advanced areas like Advanced Traffic Management Systems and Electronic Toll Collection. The program ensures interdisciplinary exposure while maintaining relevance to each student’s field of study.
Positive Response and Future Expansion
The initial Winter Internship received strong participation, with around 250 students joining. A six-month internship for undergraduate final-year students is set to begin on 19th January 2026, with over 500 applications already received. Plans are underway to extend the program to postgraduate students in the near future, further expanding skill development opportunities.
Empowering the Next Generation of Infrastructure Professionals
This internship initiative underscores NHAI’s commitment to creating a robust talent ecosystem that prepares young professionals to contribute effectively to the nation’s infrastructure development. By combining experiential learning, exposure to large-scale projects, and hands-on training, the program promises to nurture skilled engineers and innovators for India’s ambitious highway modernization goals.