Gadkari Pushes Sustainable Construction Practices to Power India’s Infrastructure Future

Union Minister  on Friday called for a stronger shift towards sustainable construction practices, innovation and alternative fuels to support India’s fast-expanding infrastructure sector. Speaking at the 17th CIDC Vishwakarma Awards and Exhibition, Viksit Bharat 2047, in New Delhi, Gadkari stressed that the future of infrastructure development will depend on technology-driven execution, better planning and environmentally responsible construction methods.

Highlighting the rapid transformation of the sector, the minister said innovation, science, research and entrepreneurship are no longer optional but essential for building a globally competitive infrastructure ecosystem. He noted that modern technologies can significantly reduce construction costs, improve efficiency and help contractors deliver projects within tighter timelines.

Gadkari also underlined the importance of completing key pre-construction requirements such as land acquisition and statutory approvals well in advance. According to him, delays caused by procedural bottlenecks have historically impacted project schedules and placed financial pressure on contractors and developers. Faster decision-making and stronger project planning, he said, are critical to maintaining momentum in India’s infrastructure push.

A major focus of his address was sustainability. Gadkari urged stakeholders across the construction and highways sectors to adopt alternative fuels such as biofuels and biomass-based fuels to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. He also reiterated the growing importance of waste-to-wealth technologies, particularly the use of plastic waste and used tyres in road construction.

Referring to successful implementations, he said projects in Nagpur have already demonstrated the effectiveness of using plastic waste in roads, showcasing how sustainable materials can improve durability while addressing waste management challenges.

The minister further called for stronger collaboration between industry players, research institutions and academic bodies to drive future-ready solutions. He added that Indian infrastructure companies are already executing major projects in global markets such as Dubai, Qatar and several African nations, and maintaining high quality standards will further strengthen India’s international reputation.

The renewed push towards green construction and innovation is expected to play a key role in shaping India’s infrastructure vision for 2047.