The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways organised a two-day Chintan Shivir 2026 on October 5–6 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, bringing together Union and state ministers, senior officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing India’s highway infrastructure.
Inaugurated by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the conclave was held under the theme “Gatishakti se Pragati”. The discussions focused on improving project planning, execution, quality, safety and efficiency across the highway sector.
Gadkari stressed the importance of stronger preparation at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, including proper surveys, road alignment, land acquisition, utility shifting and timely statutory clearances. Better planning, he noted, can help reduce project delays, cost escalation and implementation problems.
Key sessions covered PM GatiShakti and integrated infrastructure planning, land acquisition, concession agreements, road safety, green highways, toll reforms, quality assurance and project monitoring. The ministry also highlighted the role of new technologies, innovative construction methods and recycled materials in developing sustainable infrastructure.
The Chintan Shivir concluded with an emphasis on stronger Centre-State collaboration and knowledge sharing, aiming to develop safer, higher-quality and future-ready highways aligned with India’s infrastructure and economic growth goals.
