NHAI Project Aarohan Empowers Toll Workers’ Children

Vision for Equitable Education

NHAI Project Aarohan Empowers Toll Workers’ Children: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Project Aarohan to empower the children of toll plaza employees through education. The initiative, unveiled in New Delhi by Chairman Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, reflects the organization’s effort to combine infrastructure growth with social responsibility.

This program seeks to address barriers faced by girls from low-income households, first-generation learners, and students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities. It highlights a vision where economic background does not prevent access to education.

Static GK fact: NHAI was established in 1995 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to manage and maintain India’s national highways.

Objectives and Implementation

‘Project Aarohan’ is being implemented by SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares. The first phase will run from July 2025 to March 2026, with an initial funding of ₹1 crore.

The program provides structured support to students in the form of scholarships, mentorship, and career guidance. By directly focusing on toll plaza workers’ families, the initiative addresses a section of society that is often overlooked despite their role in highway operations.

Static GK Tip: India has more than 1.46 lakh km of national highways, forming about 2% of total roads but carrying 40% of traffic.

Scholarship and Financial Assistance

The financial structure of the project is designed to provide targeted aid:

• 500 students from Class 11 to graduation will receive ₹12,000 annually.
• 50 meritorious students pursuing post-graduation or higher studies will receive ₹50,000 each.

This layered support ensures that education is not disrupted by financial constraints. The renewal mechanism guarantees continuous aid to deserving students based on performance.

Beyond Financial Aid

The project focuses not just on scholarships but also on mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, career counseling, and entrepreneurship training. Such interventions aim to prepare students to be career-ready, confident, and self-reliant.

This holistic model distinguishes Project Aarohan from other scholarship programs, ensuring that beneficiaries are guided throughout their academic and professional journey.

Static GK fact: The Government of India runs multiple central scholarship schemes, including the National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship and Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST students.

Transparent Selection and Process

Applications for the scheme will be accepted online. Required documents include academic records, income certificates, caste certificates, and valid ID proof. The digital process is designed to make selection transparent, fair, and accessible to all eligible applicants.

This ensures inclusivity and prevents bias in identifying deserving students across India’s diverse communities.

Building Human Capital Alongside Highways

NHAI’s initiative highlights the philosophy of building human potential alongside physical infrastructure. With toll plazas spread across India, the program has a nationwide reach, extending support to hundreds of families linked to highway operations.

By nurturing students with education and skills, the project contributes to India’s social equity and economic growth, ensuring the highway network is not just a transport system but also a channel for empowerment.

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NHAI Project Aarohan Empowers Toll Workers’ Children: