Plan to double projects to Rs. 5,00,000 crore (US$ 58.16 billion) this year, says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, reaffirmed his commitment to ambitious infrastructure goals, stating that setting targets should not be dictated by electoral cycles. Addressing a conversation in New Delhi, he acknowledged that achieving 100 km of road construction per day is a formidable task but stressed the importance of having aspirational goals. While progress is being made, execution challenges persist, and reforms are underway to enhance project delivery. The ministry plans to sanction infrastructure projects worth Rs. 5,00,000 crore (US$ 58.16 billion) this financial year, doubling the annual average. Projects under the Bharat Mala scheme are being cleared and realigned under the Gati Shakti framework, with a focus on connectivity for ports, religious tourism, mining, and industry clusters.
Highlighting key achievements, he cited world records in roads, tunnels, and bridges, as well as the rollout of e-rickshaws, which helped 1.5 crore workers shift away from manual ferrying. He also emphasised green mobility, noting trials for 25–27% ethanol blending and 10% isobutanol in diesel. To reduce reliance on imports, especially bitumen and rare-earth materials, efforts include bio-bitumen initiatives and indigenous semiconductor production under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. On the path to net zero by 2070, the ministry is advancing 10 hydrogen fuel cell projects and plans for tree banks to offset deforestation. Mr. Gadkari stressed quality enforcement in national highway construction and confirmed that faulty contractors will face strict penalties. He added that Rs. 1,00,000 crore (US$ 11.65 billion) worth of decongestion projects are underway in Delhi, with an additional Rs. 30,000 crore (US$ 3.49 billion) planned.

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