Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has unveiled a bold and tech-forward vision for India’s infrastructure future at the Business Standard Infra Summit held on August 21. Emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence, Gadkari outlined how AI will be deployed across highways, bridges, tunnels, and urban mobility systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The summit served as a platform for the minister to share actionable insights and policy directions that will shape India’s infrastructure landscape through 2047 and beyond.
Here are the most compelling highlights from the summit:
AI Integration Across Infrastructure Projects
- Gadkari announced that the government is actively preparing to implement artificial intelligence in the construction and monitoring of roads, bridges, and tunnels
- AI will be used to identify and mitigate risks such as landslides and waterlogging, especially in vulnerable regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- The technology will also help monitor bridge strength and structural integrity in real time, reducing the likelihood of catastrophic failures
Green Highways And Sustainable Materials
- The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building green highways using alternative materials such as bio-bitumen, waste rubber, and recycled plastic
- Over 8 million tonnes of municipal garbage have already been repurposed for road construction, showcasing India’s push toward circular infrastructure
- Gadkari emphasized the use of alternative fuels in construction equipment to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner construction practices
Precast Technology And Engineering Innovation
- To accelerate project timelines and improve quality control, Gadkari proposed making precast technology mandatory in road construction
- Precast components allow for faster assembly, reduced labor dependency, and improved durability, especially in large-scale expressway projects
- The move is expected to streamline construction workflows and reduce delays caused by weather or site constraints
Digital Tolling And Revenue Optimization
- The National Highways Authority of India has rolled out barrier-free digital tolling systems, improving traffic flow and reducing fuel consumption
- An annual toll pass priced at Rs 3,000 has been introduced, making highway travel more affordable for frequent users
- Gadkari revealed that toll revenue currently stands at Rs 55,000 crore annually and is projected to reach Rs 1.4 lakh crore next year, ensuring economic viability for future projects
Funding And Resource Strategy
- Addressing concerns about financing, Gadkari stated that resources are not a constraint; expertise and execution are the real challenges
- He highlighted that every infrastructure project is economically viable and that toll income will be monetized to fund new developments
- The minister’s confidence in self-sustained funding models reflects a shift away from dependency on external investment
Road Safety And Behavioral Challenges
- Gadkari acknowledged that road safety remains a pressing issue, with over five lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh fatalities annually
- A majority of these incidents involve individuals aged 18 to 36, underscoring the need for targeted awareness and enforcement
- New measures include mandatory sale of two ISI-marked helmets with every two-wheeler and stricter lane discipline enforcement
Vision For Bharat@2047
- The minister’s remarks align with the broader national vision of transforming India into a developed economy by 2047
- Infrastructure will play a central role in this transformation, with smart logistics, seamless connectivity, and sustainable engineering at its core
- Gadkari’s roadmap includes expanding expressway networks, integrating hydrogen fuel technologies, and leveraging AI to build resilient systems
Conclusion
Nitin Gadkari’s address at the BS Infra Summit signals a paradigm shift in how India approaches infrastructure development. By embracing artificial intelligence, sustainable materials, and digital systems, the government is laying the foundation for a future-ready Bharat. The minister’s emphasis on innovation, self-reliance, and safety reflects a holistic strategy that blends technology with public welfare. As India moves toward its 2047 goals, infrastructure will not just be about roads and bridges—it will be about intelligence, impact, and inclusivity.
Sources: Business Standard, Republic World, Fortune India, ViewHub.
