In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in highway construction, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday announced that commuters on national highways will soon be able to access full details of contractors and supervising officers, including their names, addresses, and contact numbers. “Let the public know who constructed the roads and which officer supervises them,” Gadkari said while addressing a conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He explained that by scanning a system-enabled QR code, travellers will be able to view all relevant project details. “In case of any inconvenience, citizens will know who is responsible,” the minister added. Gadkari further stated that the government is conducting performance audits of road projects and will not hesitate to take action against negligent contractors or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials. The statement follows NHAI’s earlier announcement on 3 October that it would install information boards with QR codes along national highway stretches, providing project details and emergency helpline numbers for commuters. The minister also projected that India’s annual toll collection could more than double to Rs 1.4 trillion (Rs 140,000 crore) within the next two years, up from the current Rs 550 billion (Rs 55,000 crore), as the government accelerates efforts to build world-class road infrastructure. Highlighting sustainability goals, Gadkari shared the government’s comprehensive 2027 plan to reuse legacy waste and promote green road building. This includes using 8 million tonnes (80 lakh tonnes) of segregated plastic waste in road construction and reusing treated water from purification plants for infrastructure works. “Infra should be comfortable for people. We have built 670 roadside amenities to ensure better facilities for commuters,” Gadkari noted. He added that under the defect liability clause, contractors remain accountable for road quality for 10 years after project completion, while responsible officers must ensure roads remain in good condition. Emphasising eco-friendly and resilient infrastructure, Gadkari said the government is prioritising pollution control and green initiatives. “Along the Dwarka Expressway, 8,500 trees have already been transplanted,” he said. The minister reiterated that the government’s upcoming initiatives would balance rapid infrastructure expansion with sustainability, safety, and accountability.