Gurugram — Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphasised the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development while addressing concerns over delays, environmental clearances and road safety.
Speaking about the progress of highway projects, Gadkari acknowledged past bottlenecks but stressed that systemic reforms have significantly reduced approval times. “The problem earlier was about securing clearances, particularly environmental permissions. But now, 90% of the groundwork is completed before a project even begins,” he said.
The minister credited streamlined processes and new technologies for the faster execution of key projects, including six major expressways currently under construction.
Gadkari dismissed funding as a major hurdle, stating that innovative financing models have ensured liquidity for infrastructure ventures. “Resources are not a problem. We are offering an effective yield of 8.05% to attract investment,” he said.
He also highlighted the success of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in delivering projects like the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which has cut travel time between the two cities by half.
However, challenges persist. Land acquisition disputes and local protests occasionally delay progress. Gadkari admitted that while solutions are being implemented, community engagement remains critical. “We are working closely with state governments to address grievances,” he added.
Sustainability and Green Tech
On the question of developing sustainable infrastructure, Gadkari pointed to the use of recycled materials, including plastic waste, in road construction.
“We have built a one-kilometre stretch using bio-bitumen and 15% plastic waste. Tests show it is 50% more durable than conventional roads,” he said.
The minister also advocated alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen and electric vehicles (EVs), as part of India’s green mobility push. He said that the cost of EV batteries, once $150 per unit, is declining rapidly, making electric transport more viable.
“In five years, India’s automotive industry will be a global leader in EV production,” he predicted.
Despite the optimism, questions linger over charging infrastructure. Gadkari acknowledged the need for expansion but assured that policies are in place to support rapid adoption. “We already have 600 charging stations across major highways and more are coming,” he said.
Road Safety and Behavioural Change
On the issue of road accidents—which claim nearly 150,000 lives annually in India—Gadkari stressed the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
“Engineering better roads alone is not enough. We must change driver behaviour,” he said, citing red-light violations and speeding as major concerns.
The government has introduced stricter penalties under the amended Motor Vehicles Act, but the minister admitted that compliance remains weak. “Education and discipline are just as important as regulation,” he said.
Gadkari said his vision for India’s infrastructure includes smarter cities, seamless connectivity and export-ready technology. “Our expressways are now at par with global standards. The next step is integrating AI and IoT for traffic management,” he said.
When pressed on whether India’s pace of development is sustainable, Gadkari remained confident. “Political will is the key. Where there’s a resolve, there’s a way,” he asserted, adding that “Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. And India is building faster than ever before.”
