New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated “Chintan Shivir 2026 – A National Conclave on Highway Infrastructure” in Gujarat and called for coordinated efforts by the Centre, states and implementing agencies to ensure timely delivery of infrastructure.
The Chintan Shivir drew transport and PWD ministers, senior officials of state PWDs, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to deliberate on key issues concerning highway development, project implementation and infrastructure delivery.
Gadkari said the Chintan Shivir provides an important platform for the Centre and states to share field-level experiences and collaborate towards practical solutions for emerging challenges in highway development.
He emphasised that successful practices adopted by different states should be shared, evaluated and replicated wherever appropriate to improve project implementation and infrastructure outcomes across the country.
The minister stressed that highway development must remain focused on quality, safety, speed and world-class standards.
He called for greater emphasis on advance planning and preparedness at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, including proper surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and timely statutory clearances.
Better preparedness at the initial stage can help minimise delays, avoid cost escalation and improve the efficiency of highway projects, he said.
Gadkari highlighted that road safety must be integrated into highway planning and project design from the beginning. Identification of accident-prone locations and incorporation of appropriate safety interventions during the planning and construction stages can contribute towards safer highways and reduction in road accidents.
The sessions at the event are aimed at addressing implementation challenges, sharing best practices and identifying 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 and reduce construction and maintenance costs.
He encouraged states and implementing agencies to share innovations and field-level solutions and stressed the importance of research, technology and continuous improvement in highway construction and maintenance.
—IANS
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