New Delhi, 10 April (H.S.):

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday stressed that transforming knowledge into wealth requires a powerful combination of innovation, science, technology, skilled manpower, and sustained research and development. Speaking at the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards and the “Viksit Bharat 2047” exhibition here, he said India’s global standing will rise only if the construction sector refuses to compromise on quality and avoids shortcuts.

Gadkari highlighted that to improve infrastructure, decisions must be taken swiftly, project planning must be robust, and quality of work must be given absolute priority. “If we adopt newer technologies and refine our working methods, project costs can be significantly reduced,” he said, adding that delays in land acquisition and procedural clearances have historically inflamed costs and timelines, hurting both governments and contractors.

He urged all stakeholders to internalise that projects must be judged not only by their cost but also by their quality and performance. To ensure timely completion, Gadkari advocated settling land acquisition and key approvals at the outset, so that administrative bottlenecks do not erode capital and delay delivery.

Stressing the need for sustainable practices, Gadkari underlined the importance of adopting biofuels and other alternative energy sources. “This will reduce our dependence on petrol and diesel, lower expenses, and also help meet our climate commitments,” he said.

He also pushed for greater use of plastic waste and discarded tyres in road construction, arguing that such materials can enhance durability while addressing environmental concerns. The minister pointed out that Indian infrastructure companies have already successfully executed major projects in Dubai, Qatar, and several African countries, underscoring the country’s growing global reputation in engineering and construction.

At the event, Gadkari bestowed the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards on the winners, felicitating individuals and organisations for their contributions to quality, innovation, and best practices in the construction and infrastructure sector. He lauded the awardees as role models whose work aligns with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” and called on the industry to continue investing in skills, technology, and research so that India’s knowledge base is systematically converted into economic and social prosperity.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar