Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday underscored that the future of India’s infrastructure development must be people-centric, ensuring comfort, convenience, and sustainability for citizens. Addressing the CII National Conference on “Future of Smart Roads – Safety, Sustainability and Resilience” in New Delhi, he said that infrastructure should be guided by the three key pillars – People, Prosperity, and Planning.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing travel experience and safety, the Minister announced that 670 roadside amenities have been developed across the country. These facilities, he said, are designed to make long-distance travel more convenient for commuters and transporters alike.
Gadkari noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy by 2027, the creation of world-class infrastructure would play a pivotal role. The road and transport sector, he said, holds vast potential for economic growth, investment, and job creation.
The Minister informed that the Ministry’s annual revenue, currently around ₹55,000 crore, is projected to increase to ₹1.4 lakh crore within two years, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion and efficiency improvements.
He also shared details of the comprehensive 2027 infrastructure plan, which includes sustainable initiatives such as the use of 80 lakh tonnes of segregated plastic waste in road construction and the reuse of treated water from purification plants for highway building.
To further improve national connectivity, work is underway to upgrade 25,000 kilometres of two-lane highways into four lanes. A ₹2 lakh crore port connectivity programme is also being implemented to link all major ports with the national highway network. Gadkari added that enhanced road infrastructure is not only boosting logistics and trade but also promoting religious tourism and adventure sports across India.
On the pillar of Prosperity, the Minister highlighted that every rupee invested in infrastructure yields three rupees in economic growth, demonstrating the sector’s strong multiplier effect. Under Planning, he stressed the need to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly, resilient, and sustainable development. As part of the government’s green initiatives, 8,500 trees have been transplanted along the Dwarka Expressway.
The Minister also announced that precast technology has been made mandatory in road and infrastructure projects to enhance construction quality and ensure timely completion. He called for greater ownership and accountability among engineers and contractors.
Gadkari underlined the economic significance of the sector, noting that 80% of India’s goods traffic moves by road, compared to 1% by air and 18% through other modes. Improved road infrastructure, he said, will help reduce logistics and fuel costs to single-digit levels.
Emphasising the balance between development and ecology, Gadkari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building safe, sustainable, and world-class road networks that drive economic progress while improving the quality of life for citizens.
“As mobility evolves, India is shaping smart roads that integrate technology with essentials like pedestrian access, EV charging, fuel stations, parking, and modern roadside amenities,” he said.