Gujarat: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated “Chintan Shivir 2026 – A National Conclave on Highway Infrastructure” at Tent City 2, Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Narmada District, Gujarat, on October 5, 2026. Organised under the motto “Gatishakti se Pragati,” the two-day conclave brings together Transport and PWD Ministers from States, senior officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to deliberate on highway development, project implementation and infrastructure delivery.
Addressing the inaugural session, Gadkari emphasised the importance of stronger Centre-State coordination and the exchange of field-level experience. He said successful practices adopted by different States should be shared, evaluated and replicated wherever appropriate to improve project implementation and infrastructure outcomes across the country.
Focus on Quality, Safety and Better Project Planning
The Minister stressed that highway development must focus on quality, safety, speed and world-class standards. He called for greater preparedness at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, including comprehensive surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and timely statutory clearances.
According to the Ministry, better preparation during the initial stages can minimise project delays, prevent cost escalation and improve overall implementation efficiency. Gadkari also underlined the need to integrate road safety into highway planning and design from the beginning, including identification of accident-prone locations and incorporation of appropriate safety interventions during planning and construction.
Highways as Drivers of Economic Growth
Highlighting the wider economic significance of highway infrastructure, Gadkari said modern highways should provide seamless connectivity between cities, towns, ports, markets and industrial centres. Improved connectivity, he noted, can support trade, investment, employment and broader economic activity.
He called for coordinated action by the Centre, States and implementing agencies to ensure timely infrastructure delivery in response to India’s growing development and mobility requirements.
PM GatiShakti, Green Highways and Road Safety on Agenda
The two-day Chintan Shivir includes thematic sessions on PM GatiShakti and integrated infrastructure planning; Land Acquisition and Bhoomi Rashi; Model Concession Agreements and Ratings; Designing Safe Highways and Green Highways; Road Safety and Toll Reform; and Quality Assurance and Project Monitoring.
The sessions are intended to address implementation challenges, exchange best practices and identify practical and replicable solutions for more efficient highway development.
The Minister also called for wider adoption of new technologies, innovative construction practices and cost-effective materials to improve quality while reducing construction and maintenance costs. He encouraged States and implementing agencies to share innovations and field-level solutions, while stressing the importance of research, technology and continuous improvement.
Sustainability and Wildlife Protection
Environmental responsibility is another important component of the conclave. Gadkari emphasised environment-friendly construction practices and greater use of innovative and recycled materials, alongside measures for environmental and wildlife protection.
During the inaugural session, a document on Environment & Wildlife Mitigation Measures was launched. A BRICS Compendium on Perspectives in Sustainable Transport was also released, bringing international perspectives on sustainable approaches in the transport sector into the discussions on future-ready infrastructure.
Technology-Driven Tolling Reforms
Gadkari also highlighted technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and convenience of highway travel, including the FASTag Annual Pass and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF). These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s focus on modernising tolling systems, improving traffic movement and enhancing the highway-user experience.
The inaugural session established the broader direction for the two-day deliberations, with emphasis on Centre-State dialogue, knowledge sharing, project monitoring, highway quality and safety, sustainable infrastructure and faster project delivery.
Gadkari called upon stakeholders to work collectively towards safer, high-quality and future-ready highway infrastructure, contributing to stronger connectivity and faster economic growth in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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