Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Chintan Shivir 2026 to advance highway infrastructure

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Chintan Shivir 2026, a two-day national conclave on highway infrastructure held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The event brings together state transport and public works ministers, senior officials, and implementing agencies to address challenges in highway development and project delivery.

The conclave focuses on several thematic areas, including PM GatiShakti for integrated infrastructure planning, land acquisition via the Bhoomi Rashi platform, model concession agreements, highway safety, and quality assurance. Gadkari emphasized the need for better preparedness during the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage—specifically regarding surveys, alignment planning, and utility shifting—to minimize delays and cost escalations.

A key priority of the discussions is the integration of road safety into the initial planning and design phases of highway projects. The initiative aims to foster coordination between central and state governments to share best practices and implement practical solutions for improving the quality and efficiency of India’s road networks.