Bhubaneswar — The 84th Annual Session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) rolled into Bhubaneswar today with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, taking the stage — and the spotlight — to talk about roads that don’t just connect cities, but connect India to its greener, cleaner future.
With Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, PWD Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and IRC President Prof. Manoranjan Parida by his side, Gadkari reaffirmed India’s mission to build infrastructure that’s both eco-conscious and economically empowering — where highways hum with sustainability and innovation.
Bitumen Goes Bio, Plastic Gets a Second Life
In what might be the best “makeover” story in infrastructure, Gadkari revealed how bio-bitumen and recycled plastic waste are quietly transforming India’s highways into green corridors.
“These materials don’t just make roads stronger,” he quipped, “they make them smarter — like the difference between a vintage Ambassador and an electric SUV.”
The use of such materials is improving durability, reducing costs, and cutting environmental impact — proving that waste can, quite literally, pave the way forward.
Fuel of the Future: Made in India, for the World
Highlighting India’s evolving energy landscape, Gadkari reiterated his vision of transforming India from a fuel-importing to a fuel-exporting nation. Ethanol, methanol, bio-LNG, CNG, and green hydrogen are no longer futuristic dreams — they’re the new highway companions.
“The idea,” he said, “is simple — less dependence on oil, more independence for India.”
He also underscored the Ministry’s focus on road safety and intelligent transport systems, noting that “every kilometer of good engineering saves not just minutes, but lives.”
Engineers: The Unsung Superheroes of Smooth Drives
The Minister didn’t forget the engineers who make it all happen. Calling them the “unsung heroes behind every pothole-free drive”, he urged greater precision in Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and creative innovation in design and safety planning.
“Every DPR is like a car manual — if you miss a line, the ride gets rough,” he joked, earning smiles from the audience.
Towards a Self-Reliant and Skilled Bharat
Concluding his address, Gadkari emphasized that infrastructure is not just about roads — it’s about nation-building, employment generation, and skill development. The focus, he said, is on creating world-class infrastructure rooted in Indian innovation, powered by sustainable technology, and backed by a skilled workforce ready to build the highways of the future.
“India’s journey from tar to tech,” he concluded, “isn’t just about roads — it’s about the road ahead.”
