Set up ‘innovation bank’ to focus on ‘quality’ in infra development: Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, on Friday proposed the establishment of an ‘innovation bank’ for new ideas, research findings and technologies to focus on ‘quality’ in infrastructure development.

In a virtual address to the 222nd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), he stated that fresh initiatives are expected from the IRC, and that innovation should be a priority for all engineers. He suggested that IRC work with IITs and other worldwide institutions to create a world-class state-of-the-art laboratory.

Gadkari stated that infrastructure development is critical to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's objective of making India a $5 trillion economy, and that road infrastructure is directly related to the prosperity of that region. According to him, road infrastructure connects people, culture, and society while also bringing prosperity through socioeconomic development.


According to the minister, we are ready to use the world's best and most successful construction technology and materials. He stated that the two most important driving reasons for us are the use of proven technology and the reduction of construction costs. “We must minimise construction costs while retaining quality,” he continued.

Gadkari stated that during the construction and operating phases, there should be minimal carbon footprints and exploitation of limited natural resources.

Road safety is a top concern for the government, according to the minister. He emphasised that we need to incorporate excellent worldwide techniques and principles for road engineering into the specification.