Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on October 5 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 conclave, organised under the motto ‘Gatishakti se Pragati’, brings together state transport and PWD ministers, senior officials, implementing agencies and stakeholders to deliberate on highway development and project implementation. Minister of State Harsh Malhotra also addressed the inaugural session. The conclave brings together transport and PWD ministers from states along with senior officials of state PWDs and implementing agencies.

Gadkari said highway development must focus on quality, safety, speed and world-class standards. He called for better planning at the detailed project report stage, including proper surveys, alignment planning, land acquisition and timely statutory clearances, HelloEntrepreneurs reported.

The sessions cover PM GatiShakti planning, land acquisition, model concession agreements, safe and green highways, road safety and toll reform. Gadkari said better preparation at the initial stage can help minimise delays and avoid cost escalation. The sessions also cover land acquisition and Bhoomi Rashi, model concession agreements and ratings, and quality assurance and project monitoring.