Union Minister stresses sustainable technologies, faster project execution and quality-driven infrastructure development at CIDC Vishwakarma Awards
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 10,2026: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday called for greater adoption of alternative fuels, modern technologies and innovative construction practices to transform India’s infrastructure sector in line with the vision of a developed nation.
Addressing the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards and Exhibition 2026 themed “Viksit Bharat 2047” in New Delhi, Gadkari said innovation, entrepreneurship, science, research and skilled practices are essential to convert knowledge into economic wealth. He added that the construction industry is undergoing continuous transformation driven by technology and innovation.
The Minister emphasised the urgent need to reduce construction costs through efficient planning, improved processes and the use of modern technologies. He said faster decision-making, timely execution and strict adherence to quality standards are critical for successful infrastructure development.
Faster Clearances Key to Project Efficiency
Gadkari underlined the importance of completing land acquisition and statutory approvals in advance to avoid delays in infrastructure projects. He said that procedural bottlenecks and pending clearances have historically slowed execution and adversely affected both timelines and financial viability of contractors.
He further stressed that project evaluation should prioritise quality and performance alongside cost considerations, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency of infrastructure assets.
Push for Green and Alternative Fuels
Reiterating the importance of sustainability, the Minister urged stakeholders to expand the use of biofuels, biomass-based energy sources and other alternative fuels to reduce dependency on conventional fossil fuels and lower operational costs.
He also advocated wider adoption of waste-to-wealth initiatives, including recycling of plastic waste and used tyres in road construction. Citing successful implementations, he referred to projects in Nagpur where plastic waste has already been effectively used in road building, demonstrating the viability of eco-friendly construction solutions.
Technology, Research and Global Competitiveness
The Minister called for stronger collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions to develop next-generation construction technologies. He said innovation-driven partnerships are essential to improve productivity and create globally competitive infrastructure solutions.
Highlighting India’s growing global presence, Gadkari noted that Indian infrastructure companies have successfully executed major projects in countries such as Dubai and Qatar as well as several African nations. He said maintaining high standards of quality and avoiding shortcuts would further strengthen India’s reputation in the global construction market.
Awards Presented to Industry Leaders
On the occasion, the Minister also presented the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards to outstanding individuals and organisations for excellence in construction and infrastructure development. He congratulated the awardees for their contributions to innovation, quality and project execution.
Gadkari expressed confidence that engineers, builders and professionals in the sector would play a pivotal role in shaping world-class infrastructure and advancing the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
