NHAI Struggles with Tech-Resistant Firms: Minister Gadkari

18 Oct 2023 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is encountering challenges in crafting detailed project reports, as certain companies are hesitant to embrace new technology, according to statements made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways emphasised that the government is actively promoting the adoption of innovative technologies. Speaking at the 'CRISIL India Infrastructure Conclave 2023,' he noted that major players in the steel and cement industries have been involved in price-fixing schemes.

Gadkari remarked, "The steel and cement industries, whenever they have the opportunity, engage in collusion to inflate prices."

He further highlighted the difficulty in assessing companies responsible for generating detailed project reports, stating that, "The creation of DPRs poses a significant challenge for NHAI... there is no flawless DPR in any project." Known for his candid opinions, Gadkari added, "While creating DPRs, these companies engaged in DPR development are resistant to adopting new technology, innovative research, and the quality of DPRs is so subpar that there is consistently a need for additional work."

Regarding the high logistics costs in India, Gadkari pointed out that logistics costs in the country stand at 14-16 per cent, as compared to 8-10 per cent in China.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..