Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday inaugurated Chintan Shivir 2026 – A National Conclave on Highway Infrastructure at Tent City 2, Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, in Gujarat's Narmada district.
The two-day national conclave is being held on October 5 and 6 under the motto “Gatishakti se Pragati”. It brings together Transport and Public Works Ministers from states, senior state officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to discuss highway development, project implementation and infrastructure delivery. Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra also addressed the inaugural session.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Chintan Shivir 2026 was inaugurated on October 5.
The event is being held at Tent City 2, Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
The conclave runs for two days, October 5–6.
Its motto is “Gatishakti se Pragati.”
Centre and state representatives are participating.
Discussions cover integrated planning, land acquisition, highway safety, toll reform and project monitoring.
Addressing the inaugural session, Gadkari emphasised the need for stronger preparation at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage of highway projects. He highlighted proper surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition, utility shifting and timely statutory clearances as important elements of project preparation.
He said highway development should focus on quality, safety, speed and world-class standards, while successful practices adopted by different states should be shared, evaluated and replicated where appropriate.
The two-day programme includes sessions on PM GatiShakti and integrated infrastructure planning, land acquisition and Bhoomi Rashi, Model Concession Agreements and ratings, safe and green highways, road safety and toll reform, and quality assurance and project monitoring.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Highway infrastructure plays an important role in connectivity, mobility and the movement of goods and people. The Chintan Shivir provides a platform for the Centre, states and implementing agencies to discuss project-planning challenges and approaches to improving quality, safety and delivery. The focus on integrated planning, road safety, technology and environmental responsibility also links highway development with wider infrastructure and sustainability objectives.
Gadkari also called for wider adoption of new technologies, innovative construction practices and cost-effective materials to improve highway quality and reduce construction and maintenance costs.
Environmental sustainability is another part of the conclave's agenda. The Minister stressed environment-friendly construction practices and greater use of innovative and recycled materials, along with appropriate measures for environmental and wildlife protection. A document on Environment & Wildlife Mitigation Measures was launched during the inaugural session.
A BRICS Compendium on Perspectives in Sustainable Transport was also launched during the session, adding an international dimension to discussions on sustainable transport.
The Minister further highlighted technology-driven initiatives including the FASTag Annual Pass and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF), which are aimed at modernising tolling systems and improving traffic movement on highways.
The deliberations will focus on strengthening project planning and monitoring, improving highway quality and safety, promoting sustainable infrastructure and advancing the delivery of future-ready highway infrastructure.
