Updated Oct 20, 2024 18:15 IST

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‘Better than America’s….’ Nitin Gadkari bullish on India’s road infra

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said that India’s road infrastructure would soon surpass that of the United States. Speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day seminar on ‘Latest Emerging Trends and Technologies in Road and Bridge Construction’ in Bhopal, Gadkari emphasized that better roads can significantly reduce logistics costs and spur economic growth.

Gadkari recalled that when he was a minister in Maharashtra, he had a quote by former US President John F. Kennedy displayed in his office: “American roads are not good because America is rich, but America is rich because American roads are good.”

He mentioned that his late friend Ratan Tata, who passed away earlier this month, would often ask him about this quote during his visits to the office, as reported by PTI.

Efficient Transport to Cut Logistics Costs

India has the second-largest road network in the world, with over 63 lakh kilometers of roads. Gadkari pointed out that the country’s logistics costs account for 14% of the GDP, while in China, it is 8%. He highlighted that more efficient highways, railways, and waterways could reduce these costs to 9%, boosting exports and benefiting the economy.

Challenges with DPR and Project Planning

As mentioned in the report by PTI, during his speech, Gadkari criticized consultants for preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) without proper on-site surveys. He humorously remarked that they “prepare DPRs on Google by sitting at home” and suggested engaging engineering students to help rectify such issues. He also shared an example from a helicopter survey of the Bangalore-Chennai highway, where the alignment issue could have been avoided if proper planning had been done.

“While agreeing with me, the official said it happened because of those who prepared the DPR (detailed project report)… Those who prepare DPR are great people… They deserve the ‘Padma’ award… They prepare the DPR on Google by sitting at home,” Gadkari remarked as mentioned in the report by PTI.

Focus on Sustainable Development

Gadkari advocated for using alternative construction materials, like plastic waste mixed with bitumen, citing examples from Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. “We have used 80 lakh tonnes of garbage on roads so far,” he said. He also encouraged the use of biofuels and mentioned that farmers contribute to energy generation by converting paddy straw into biofuel.

Road Safety a Priority

As per the report by PTI, the Union minister raised concerns about road safety, highlighting that around 1.78 lakh people die in road accidents annually, a number higher than fatalities from the COVID pandemic or any war. He emphasized the need for social responsibility and better road engineering to identify and eliminate accident-prone ‘black spots’ on highways.

Moving Towards Concrete Roads

Criticizing the recurring issues with asphalt roads, Gadkari suggested using white concrete, which he claims can last 25 years without damage. In the report by PTI, he noted that poor drainage often damages asphalt roads, stating, “Water is dangerous for bitumen.”

The seminar was attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, and other officials. Gadkari urged state governments to be more proactive in improving road infrastructure and safety.

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