Ahmedabad: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated Chintan Shivir 2026, a two-day national conclave on highway infrastructure, at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, calling for greater coordination between the Centre and states to deliver safer, greener and high-quality highways.
Held under the theme “Gatishakti se Pragati”, the conclave brings together state transport and PWD ministers, senior officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to discuss highway development and project execution.
Gadkari stressed the need for stronger planning at the Detailed Project Report stage, including surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and statutory clearances. Better preparation, he said, could help reduce delays and cost escalation.
He also called for road safety to be integrated into highway design from the outset, including identification of accident-prone locations and timely safety interventions.
The two-day event will discuss PM GatiShakti, land acquisition, concession agreements, safe and green highways, road safety, toll reforms, quality assurance and project monitoring.
Gadkari urged wider adoption of new technologies, innovative construction methods and cost-effective materials. He also emphasised environmental and wildlife protection and launched a document on Environment and Wildlife Mitigation Measures.
A BRICS Compendium on Perspectives in Sustainable Transport was also launched. Technology-driven initiatives such as the FASTag Annual Pass and Multi-Lane Free Flow were highlighted as part of efforts to modernise tolling and improve the highway user experience.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra also addressed the inaugural session.
