Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the two-day ‘Highway Infrastructure Chintan Shivir 2026’ at Tent City 2 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 5, 2026. During the event, he emphasized the need for better coordination among the Centre, states, and executing agencies to improve highway planning, construction and safety.
Held under the theme “Gati Shakti Se Pragati”, state Transport and Public Works Ministers, senior officials, implementing agencies, and other stakeholders come together to discuss key challenges related to highway development and identify practical solutions.
Gadkari stressed the need for better preparation at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage to prevent project delays and cost overruns. He called for timely surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and statutory clearances, while ensuring road safety is built into highway planning and design from the outset.
The Minister urged states and agencies to adopt innovative construction methods, new technologies, and cost-effective materials to improve construction quality and reduce construction and maintenance costs. He also emphasized the need for eco-friendly construction and greater use of recycled materials, while stressing the need to protect forests and wildlife.
Gadkari also emphasized technology-based initiatives—such as FASTag annual passes and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) launched with the aim of modernizing toll collection and improving traffic movement on national highways. An international dimension was added to the event with the release of a BRICS compilation on sustainable transport approaches.
The main sessions of this two-day event will focus on PM Gati Shakti and integrated infrastructure planning, land acquisition, safe and green highway design, road safety, concession agreements, toll reforms, quality assurance, and project monitoring.
(PIB)
