Gadkari Calls for Sustainable Construction and Alternative Fuels to Drive Infrastructure Growth

Union Minister  has called for a major shift in how India’s construction sector approaches growth, urging stakeholders to embrace sustainability, innovation and alternative fuels. Addressing the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards and Exhibition, Viksit Bharat 2047, in New Delhi, he highlighted the need for a forward-looking strategy that aligns infrastructure development with environmental responsibility.

India’s infrastructure sector is currently witnessing rapid expansion, driven by highways, urban development and large-scale connectivity projects. In this context, Gadkari emphasised that adopting modern technologies is essential not only to reduce construction costs but also to improve execution speed and overall project quality. He pointed out that delays due to land acquisition and statutory clearances have historically slowed down projects, and stressed the importance of completing these processes in advance.

A key highlight of his address was the growing importance of alternative fuels in construction. Gadkari encouraged the use of biofuels, biomass-based fuels and other sustainable energy sources to reduce dependence on conventional fuels. This shift, he noted, can significantly lower operational costs while also contributing to India’s climate goals.

He also drew attention to waste-to-wealth initiatives, particularly the use of plastic waste and used tyres in road construction. Such practices not only enhance road durability but also offer a practical solution to India’s mounting waste management challenges. Successful implementation in cities like Nagpur has already demonstrated the viability of these methods.

Further, Gadkari stressed the need for collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions to drive innovation in construction technologies. He noted that Indian companies are increasingly executing infrastructure projects in global markets such as Dubai, Qatar and parts of Africa, showcasing their capabilities on the world stage.

As India moves towards its long-term development vision, the focus on sustainable construction, efficient planning and technological innovation is expected to play a defining role in shaping a resilient and future-ready infrastructure ecosystem.