Short tenures of NHAI chiefs make progress path longer

According to an industry expert, frequent change at the top position has affected the sector dearly

Frequent changes at the helm of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created issues of functional continuity. The authority’s chairman, Deepak Kumar, is the fourth in a span of two years.

Experts said shorter tenures of chairmen were a hindrance in decision making and affected investor confidence. Road companies said heads of organisations that do not stay for a longer period or complete their stipulated tenure refrain from taking responsibility.

Adil Zaidi, partner, economic development, and infrastructure advisory, EY, said: “From investors’ point of view, a chairman’s tenure should be at least three years. They want someone with a