Even Bihar, UP roads to be of American standards by 2024: Nitin Gadkari

Mumbai: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that Indian road infrastructure will be developed up to world standards.

"I have decided to make Indian road infrastructure, even in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, up to the road infrastructure standards of USA, before end of 2024," he said while addressing National Conference for Civil Engineers and Professionals from Allied Industries, being organized by Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (ACCE) in Mumbai.

Exhorting the engineers and industry professionals at the conference, he said India has got huge potential in infrastructure.

"In Indian infrastructure, there is huge potential for road construction, river connectivity, solid and liquid waste management, parking plaza, irrigation, busports, ropeways and cable car projects," he said.

Speaking about various ongoing projects of the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Gadkari said, "We are making 26 Green express highways and logistics parks of Rs 2 lakh crores. At the same time, we have many innovative ideas by which we can develop infrastructure further."

Stating that the future of Indian infrastructure sector is very bright, he said, "We need to accept good technology, research, innovation and successful practices from across the world and from within India. We should use alternative materials to reduce cost without compromising on quality. Time is the most important aspect in construction, it is the biggest asset.’'

Gadkari asked the engineers to find alternatives to cement and other raw materials.

"Glass fibre steel can be used in place of steel. If there is competition, cost will come down and become reasonable," he said. (UNI)