New Delhi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has emphasized that India’s infrastructure development must be people-centric, ensuring comfort and convenience for every citizen. Speaking at the CII National Conference on “Future of Smart Roads – Safety, Sustainability and Resilience” held in New Delhi, the Minister outlined three foundational pillars for future infrastructure — People, Prosperity, and Planning.
Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts, Shri Gadkari announced that 670 roadside amenities have already been developed across the country to enhance commuter convenience. “Infrastructure must not only be smart but also sensitive to people’s needs,” he said.
The Minister noted that under the vision of the Prime Minister to make India a five-trillion-dollar economy by 2027, world-class infrastructure will play a pivotal role. The road and transport sector, he added, offers immense opportunities for economic growth, investment, and employment generation.
India’s infrastructure expansion is accelerating, with plans underway to convert 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four lanes, while a ₹2 lakh crore port connectivity programme aims to link all major ports with the national highway network. Shri Gadkari also highlighted that better connectivity is boosting religious tourism and adventure sports across several regions.
The Minister informed that the Ministry’s annual revenue, currently at ₹55,000 crore, is expected to grow to ₹1.4 lakh crore within two years, underscoring the sector’s massive growth potential. “Every rupee invested in infrastructure generates three rupees of economic growth,” he said, underlining the sector’s multiplier impact on the economy.
Shri Gadkari reiterated the importance of sustainability and resilience in planning, noting that 8,500 trees have been transplanted along the Dwarka Expressway as part of the Government’s green initiatives. He also announced that precast technology has been made mandatory in road and infrastructure projects to ensure quality and timely completion.
“Eighty percent of India’s goods traffic moves by road,” he said, adding that enhanced road infrastructure will help reduce logistics and fuel costs to single-digit levels. He urged engineers and contractors to take greater ownership and responsibility in ensuring project quality and safety.
Concluding his address, the Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building safe, sustainable, and world-class roads that drive economic growth while protecting the environment. India, he said, is now shaping ‘Smart Roads’ that integrate technology with essential public needs — including pedestrian facilities, EV charging, fuel stations, parking, and modern roadside amenities.
Source: PIB
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