National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with Vertis Foundation, is strengthening women-focused skill development through ‘Project Saksham’, an initiative aimed at empowering rural women with sustainable livelihood opportunities and financial independence. The initiative reflects NHAI’s commitment to inclusive growth by ensuring that communities living along National Highways benefit from the economic opportunities created through infrastructure development. Project Saksham focuses particularly on women from underserved rural areas, helping them gain industry-relevant skills and access to formal employment opportunities.
Currently, the project operates through 12 training centres across India. So far, it has trained more than 6,000 youth, with over 4,000 successfully placed in various sectors. Beneficiaries are earning average monthly salaries between Rs.13,000 and Rs.16,000, often exceeding entry-level wage standards in several states. Significantly, over 80% of the beneficiaries are women, highlighting the initiative’s strong emphasis on women-led empowerment. Project Saksham adopts a community-based approach to encourage participation from rural women. Field teams actively engage with families to build trust, address social barriers, and motivate women to join skill development programs, many for the first time.
Participants receive training in several vocational areas, including electrical work, plumbing, tailoring, appliance repair, nursing assistance, and multi-skilled technician roles. These programs are designed to provide practical, market-oriented skills that improve employability and create long-term livelihood opportunities. For many beneficiaries, the initiative has become a life-changing opportunity, enabling economic self-reliance and encouraging greater confidence and independence. Through Project Saksham, NHAI continues to demonstrate that infrastructure development can go beyond connectivity and contribute meaningfully to inclusive social and economic progress across the country.
