The Project Management Institute (PMI) India and Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) signed a MoU in the capital today, to enhance project management skills of IAHE trainees. Speaking on the occasion the Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari, said that, he hoped the training module would lead to quality roads at lesser cost. He also expressed his wish that the training would result in better road design and execution which would reduce the incidence of accidents on highways. The Minister said that with the signing of this MoU, he look forward to a qualitative improvement in the way DPRs are made. Shri Gadkari also said that those working on road construction projects should be open to new technology, innovation and international best practices and necessary research in order to take the country forward. The Minister advised the institutes to get the best speakers from IITs and abroad so that excellent skills could be imparted to the highway project managers.
Earlier the MoU was signed by Shri V.L. Patankar, Director IAHE on behalf of IAHE and Shri Raj Kalady, Country Director, Project Management Institute (PMI) on behalf of PMI India. Shri V.L. Patankar said the objective would be to help Engineers and Project Managers enhance their knowledge and sharpen their skills in the area of project management and execution, which is critical in the successful delivery of the road transport and highways related infrastructure projects. Also speaking on the occasion Shri Raj Kalady said that PMI would aim to strengthen the abilities and skills of personnel working on various projects under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Holding workshops, training programmes and certification of personnel are the first steps it will take to achieve the overall objective of creating a sound project management culture.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved delivery of specially structured certificate course on ‘Road Safety Audit’ by Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE), Noida in association with International Road Federation (India Chapter) and Australian Road Research Board (ARRB). MORTH is substantially funding the course to the extent of about 55% of course fee which will be applicable to both private and public sector participants. While Ministry will contribute Rs.1.20 lakhs per participant, a fee of Rs.1.00 lakhs will be paid by the participant/sponsoring agency. The pool of safety auditors developed under this initiative will be engaged as key personnel in carrying out road safety audit. The fully residential course shall have 6 weeks duration and shall be delivered in three parts of two weeks each through class room lectures, field works and practical/demonstration combined with academic assignments. The first course is planned to start on 23rd May, 2016 at IAHE, Noida.