Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Chintan Shivir 2026 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Monday, calling for stronger project planning, integrated road safety measures and wider use of technology. The two-day national conclave is being held at Tent City 2 near the Statue of Unity in Narmada district under the motto Gatishakti se Pragati.

The event brings together state transport and public works ministers, senior state Public Works Department officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra also addressed the inaugural session. Discussions are focused on highway development, implementation challenges and infrastructure delivery.

Gadkari said the conclave would enable the Centre and states to share field-level experience and develop practical solutions. He urged participants to examine successful practices adopted by different states and replicate suitable approaches to improve project implementation nationwide. He stressed that quality, safety, speed and world-class standards must be supported by greater preparedness during the Detailed Project Report stage.

Such preparation includes proper surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and timely statutory clearances. The minister said stronger planning could minimise delays, prevent cost escalation and improve project efficiency. He also called for road safety to be incorporated into highway planning and design from the outset, including the identification of accident-prone locations and the introduction of suitable safeguards during construction.

The thematic sessions will cover PM GatiShakti, integrated infrastructure planning, land acquisition, model concession agreements, safe and green highway design, road safety, toll reform, quality assurance and project monitoring. Gadkari promoted new technologies, innovative construction methods, cost-effective and recycled materials, and environment-friendly practices. An Environment & Wildlife Mitigation Measures document and a BRICS Compendium on Perspectives in Sustainable Transport were released at the session. The conclave will also examine technology-driven tolling reforms, including the FASTag Annual Pass and Multi-Lane Free Flow system, as part of efforts to improve traffic movement, sustainability and highway user convenience.