Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 84th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on November 6. The four-day session, scheduled to continue till November 10, has brought together over 3,500 engineers, policymakers, experts, exhibitors, and delegates from India and abroad to deliberate on innovations, policies, and sustainable solutions in road, bridge, and tunnel infrastructure.
In his inaugural address, Shri Gadkari emphasised the need for world-class, cost-effective, and eco-friendly road infrastructure to accelerate India’s economic growth. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world and a global leader (Vishwaguru), driven by a vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
“The present time is most appropriate for innovation, research, and technology in road connectivity and infrastructure development,” the Minister said, describing the Indian Roads Congress as India’s largest knowledge-sharing platform for engineers and professionals in the road sector.
Vision for sustainable infrastructure
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, Gadkari said India is steadily transitioning from a fuel-importing to a fuel-exporting nation, thanks to the adoption of ethanol, methanol, bio-LNG, CNG, and green hydrogen. He shared that ten green hydrogen projects are currently being implemented across the country, including one in Odisha.
He underlined that the government is working towards reducing logistics costs, strengthening the road network, and promoting alternative fuel technologies that will make the transportation sector more sustainable and self-reliant. “Our aim is to make India’s road network number one in the world,” he stated.
📍Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Addressed the 84th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Shri @MohanMOdisha Ji, PWD Minister Shri @PrithivirajBJP Ji, IRC President Prof. Manoranjan Parida Ji, and senior officials in Bhubaneswar, Odisha,… pic.twitter.com/7QsrQ8geCF
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 7, 2025
Gadkari further noted that road infrastructure serves as a foundation for industrial growth, trade, investment, and employment generation. Improved connectivity, he said, has particularly benefited tribal and remote regions, enhancing accessibility and economic opportunities.
Infrastructure milestones and achievements
Reflecting on the achievements of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Gadkari shared that the government has received a record budget allocation of Rs 2.87 lakh crore. He also highlighted that the monetisation of India’s road network has the potential to generate over Rs 15 lakh crore, enabling greater reinvestment in infrastructure.
Since 2014, India’s national highway network has expanded from 91,287 km to 1,46,342 km, marking a 60% increase. This expansion, according to IIT studies, has contributed to reducing logistics costs from 16% to 11%, strengthening India’s competitiveness in trade and exports.
Gadkari stressed that the focus remains on building quality roads with faster execution, improved materials, and sustainable practices. He lauded the contribution of engineers in preparing accurate Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and implementing advanced technologies to create safe and efficient highways.
Promoting safety, innovation, and green construction
Expressing concern over the high number of road fatalities in India, the Union Minister noted that nearly 180,000 lives are lost annually in road accidents. He urged engineers and policymakers to identify and rectify design flaws in Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), adopt intelligent transport systems (ITS), and promote public awareness to enhance road safety.
He informed the audience that the government has introduced a dedicated road safety budget and enacted laws to protect Good Samaritans who assist accident victims from unnecessary police interrogation.
Regarding environmental sustainability, Gadkari highlighted that road construction is a significant source of pollution, making the adoption of eco-friendly materials essential. He stated that the government is promoting the use of waste materials, bio-bitumen, and recycled plastic waste in highway construction. Over 8 million tonnes of urban waste have already been reused in road projects, making them more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
“The use of bio-bitumen and recycled plastic waste not only strengthens roads but also aligns with India’s eco-conscious development goals,” Gadkari added.
Accountability and transparency in infrastructure development
Referring to the IRC as “the soul of India’s road engineering sector,” Gadkari underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and a corruption-free system in the execution of infrastructure projects. He urged the Indian Roads Congress to introduce modern guidelines, design standards, and innovative practices that will transform the future of road development in the country.
He encouraged engineers to embrace new technologies, digital tools, and green materials to construct a road network that meets international standards while supporting India’s commitment to sustainability and job creation.
Odisha’s commitment to development
Addressing the gathering, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi affirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing its road infrastructure as part of its vision for a Developed Odisha by 2036 and a Developed India by 2047.
He expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for the centre’s ongoing support in implementing key infrastructure projects across Odisha and hoped that the discussions at the IRC session would yield actionable recommendations for improving connectivity nationwide.
The Indian Roads Congress stands as a premier platform where experts, technocrats, and policymakers come together to share ideas and innovations that shape the future of India’s road and transport sector. I highlighted that under Vision Odisha 2036 and 2047, our government is… pic.twitter.com/bELMwnkdJK
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) November 7, 2025
The 84th session of the Indian Roads Congress features technical discussions, expert panels, and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on innovative, collaborative, and sustainable solutions in the road construction sector. This marks the sixth time Odisha has hosted the prestigious event, which also showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage, including dance, music, and cuisine.
Among the dignitaries present were Odisha Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and IRC President Manoranjan Parida, along with several senior officials from the central and state governments.
