Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, addressed the 84th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) in Bhubaneswar, alongside Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, PWD Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and IRC President Prof Manoranjan Parida.

During his address, Gadkari highlighted India’s shift from being a fuel-importing nation to a fuel-exporting one, powered by the growing production and adoption of ethanol, methanol, bio-LNG, CNG, and green hydrogen. He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to road safety through advanced engineering practices, intelligent transport systems, and awareness campaigns to ensure safer, efficient, and sustainable mobility.

Underscoring the vital role of road engineers, the Minister noted that their precision and innovation are key to preparing accurate Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and building safer highways. He emphasised that incorporating bio-bitumen and recycled plastic waste in highway construction enhances durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency—while advancing India’s green infrastructure goals.

Reiterating the government’s vision for self-reliant and future-ready mobility, Gadkari said that innovation and sustainability will remain central to India’s infrastructure transformation, enabling the creation of world-class, eco-friendly roads and highways.