Gadkari Outlines Vision for Smart, Sustainable Infrastructure with Focus on People, Prosperity, and Planning

In a compelling address at the CII National Conference on "Future of Smart Roads – Safety, Sustainability and Resilience" held in New Delhi, Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari unveiled a forward-looking roadmap for India's infrastructure growth. He identified three foundational pillars—People, Prosperity, and Planning—as central to the government's strategy in building a robust, sustainable, and inclusive transport infrastructure.

People-Centric Infrastructure: Comfort and Convenience at the Core

Stressing the importance of placing citizens at the heart of infrastructure development, Shri Gadkari said that the ultimate objective of roads and highways is to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience for the public. He announced that 670 roadside amenities have already been developed across the country, which include clean restrooms, food courts, EV charging stations, fuel stations, parking, and emergency services. These facilities, the Minister noted, will significantly improve the travel experience for both commuters and commercial transport operators.

Moreover, these roadside infrastructures are designed to serve the growing number of electric vehicles and to accommodate new mobility trends, while ensuring ease of movement for pedestrians and differently-abled individuals.

Prosperity: Infrastructure as an Engine of Economic Growth

Infrastructure has a strong multiplier effect, and Shri Gadkari highlighted this by stating that every ₹1 invested in infrastructure contributes ₹3 to economic growth. He underlined the role of the road and transport sector as a major catalyst for employment, entrepreneurship, and private investment.

India's ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2027, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hinges significantly on the development of world-class infrastructure, he noted. The Ministry's annual revenue, currently around ₹55,000 crore, is expected to increase to ₹1.4 lakh crore in the next two years, showcasing the sector's immense growth potential.

Additionally, improved connectivity is positively impacting sectors like religious tourism and adventure sports, bringing prosperity to remote regions and expanding economic opportunities.

Planning: Building Sustainably for the Future

On the aspect of planning, Shri Gadkari emphasized the importance of eco-friendly, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. He informed that the Cabinet has recently deliberated on a comprehensive 2027 infrastructure development plan, which integrates green technologies and sustainable practices.

Some key initiatives include:

• Utilization of 80 lakh tonnes of segregated plastic waste for road construction, contributing to circular economy goals and reducing landfill burden.

• Reuse of treated wastewater from urban purification plants in road construction processes, conserving fresh water resources.

• A massive 25,000-kilometre upgrade programme, where existing two-lane highways are being converted into four-lane corridors.

• A ₹2 lakh crore port connectivity programme, aimed at linking all major ports with national highways to strengthen India's logistics backbone and enhance export competitiveness.

In line with the government's green initiatives, 8,500 trees have been successfully transplanted along the Dwarka Expressway, preserving biodiversity while enabling infrastructure expansion.

Smart Technology and Quality in Execution

To improve construction efficiency and ensure timely completion of projects, Shri Gadkari announced the mandatory use of precast technology in road and infrastructure works. This not only accelerates the construction timeline but also enhances structural quality and worker safety.

The Minister also called for greater accountability among engineers and contractors, urging stakeholders to take ownership of projects and ensure delivery that meets global standards.

Reducing Costs, Boosting Efficiency

Gadkari pointed out that 80% of goods in India are transported via road, with only 1% by air and 18% through other modes. With the expansion of high-quality roads and expressways, the government aims to bring down logistics and fuel costs to single-digit percentages of GDP—making Indian businesses more competitive globally.

Vision of Smart Roads: Integrating Mobility and Modernity

Looking ahead, Shri Gadkari emphasized the need to blend traditional infrastructure with modern digital technologies. The concept of Smart Roads goes beyond asphalt and concrete to include:

• Real-time traffic management systems

• Sensors and IoT-enabled monitoring

• EV charging infrastructure

• Dedicated pedestrian pathways

• Parking and fuel station integration

• Modern roadside assistance facilities

These smart infrastructure solutions are designed to support India's evolving mobility needs, reduce accidents, enhance road safety, and promote environmental responsibility.

Balancing Growth with Responsibility

Summing up, Shri Nitin Gadkari reinforced the government's commitment to developing an infrastructure ecosystem that balances economic aspirations with ecological stewardship. By aligning infrastructure planning with the triple goals of people-centric design, inclusive prosperity, and smart planning, India is laying the foundation for a resilient, efficient, and future-ready transport network.

This vision, built on sustainability and innovation, is expected to not only transform the physical landscape of the country but also significantly uplift the socio-economic fabric of millions of Indians in the years to come.