Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised that India’s road infrastructure will soon surpass that of the United States, asserting that efficient transportation networks, including highways, waterways, and railways, are crucial for reducing logistics costs and boosting economic growth.
Speaking at a seminar on emerging trends in road and bridge construction in Bhopal, Gadkari critiqued current practices in project planning and called for improvements.
Gadkari recalled a quote by former US President John F. Kennedy, stating that a nation’s prosperity is built on the quality of its roads, and expressed confidence that India could achieve a superior road infrastructure in the near future. He encouraged participants to be part of this transformation.
Sharing insights from a helicopter survey of the Bangalore-Chennai highway, Gadkari highlighted issues with project planning, particularly the avoidable costs due to improper alignment. He pointed out that detailed project reports (DPRs) were often prepared carelessly, sometimes without site visits, leading to costly mistakes.
He also urged state governments to involve engineering students in correcting these errors, promoting a sense of ownership in infrastructure development.
India’s road network, which spans 63 lakh kilometers, is the second largest globally. However, Gadkari highlighted challenges such as frequent pothole formation on asphalt roads, advocating for the use of white concrete, which he claims would ensure durability for 25 years. He also stressed the importance of proper drainage systems to prevent road damage.
Addressing the need to lower logistics costs, currently at 14 per cent of GDP compared to 8 per cent in China, Gadkari noted that enhancing the efficiency of transport networks is essential for economic growth. Reducing logistics costs to 9 per cent could boost exports and strengthen the economy.
He also advocated for the use of biofuels to decrease fossil fuel dependency, which costs India Rs 22 lakh crore annually, and promoted converting agricultural waste into energy as a step towards sustainability.
Gadkari discussed the integration of waste materials in road construction, citing successful projects in cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ahmedabad where plastic and other waste were used. He also addressed the alarming issue of road accidents in India, which cause about 1.78 lakh deaths annually, urging improvements in road safety and engineering to reduce fatalities.
The event, attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other dignitaries, concluded with a call for better infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and improved road safety to enhance quality of life and economic prospects.
