India is making significant strides in infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on reducing construction costs without compromising quality. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has been a vocal proponent of this approach, highlighting the government's commitment to building world-class infrastructure at a reduced cost.
One of the key strategies for achieving cost reduction is the adoption of innovative technologies and materials. Gadkari has urged the Indian Road Congress (IRC) to blend plastic and waste rubber powder into bitumen for road construction, which not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainable practices. The use of fly ash and steel slag, waste tires in bitumen, and bamboo for crash barriers are also being explored. Furthermore, precast technology in building construction and roads is being mandated to lower on-site pollution and construction expenses.
The government is also focusing on integrated infrastructure development through programs like the National Infrastructure Pipeline and Gati-Shakti. These initiatives aim to create a seamless multi-modal transportation network by connecting highways, waterways, and railways. The Bharatmala Pariyojana, for example, plans the development of 34,800 km of highways connecting major urban and economic centers.
Gadkari has emphasized the importance of reducing logistics costs, which currently stand at 14-16% of the total cost in India. The aim is to bring these costs down to single digits by 2026, making the Indian retail market more competitive and boosting economic growth. Efficient infrastructure is crucial for achieving this goal, as it reduces travel time and improves connectivity. For instance, the development of national highways is expected to reduce logistics costs from 16% to below 10%.
Several projects are underway to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in major cities. The Dwarka Expressway and the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) in Delhi are expected to halve traffic jams in the capital. These projects are part of a larger plan to decongest Delhi and improve connectivity between high-speed corridors in the Delhi-NCR region. The government is also working on linking UER-II with the Delhi-Katra Expressway, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab with the Delhi airport, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway with UER-II.
The focus on infrastructure development is driven by the need to achieve the $5 trillion economy target. Gadkari has stated that quality infrastructure is essential for industrial investment and job creation. The government is encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge infrastructure gaps and has identified 50 PPP projects worth over ₹60,000 crore to be taken up in the coming years.
Gadkari has expressed confidence that India's road infrastructure will surpass that of America in the coming years. He has also called for improvements in road quality and has criticized the Indian Road Congress for slow decision-making and poor road quality. He has stressed the need for permanent management, independent quality checks, and the adoption of new technologies to ensure better quality roads.
