Staff Reporter

 

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the 83rd annual session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) on Friday evening at the Science College Ground in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The four-day session, taking place from November 8 to 11, brings together over 2,000 experts, scientists, and engineers from across the country. In his address, Gadkari announced an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore for various road projects. He confirmed plans for the construction of four flyovers at Sarona, Telibandha, Udyog Bhawan, and Dhaneli Junction along the national highways in Raipur.

 

The Union Minister also outlined intentions to upgrade four national highways in the state to four lanes and convert certain single-lane roads into two lanes, assuring that funding will not be a constraint for road projects in Chhattisgarh. Gadkari urged the State Government to expedite forest clearances for these projects, as the Chhattisgarh government is responsible for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Gadkari emphasised the need for innovative infrastructure practices and stated that, within two years, Chhattisgarh’s national highway network would resemble that of the United States. He encouraged the use of bamboo crash barriers as a sustainable alternative to steel, and urged engineers to design roads with safety features to reduce fatalities.

 

Noting that over 168,000 lives are lost annually in road accidents, he highlighted the substantial 3% GDP loss these accidents cause. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, expressed pride in hosting the IRC session in the state for the first time. Sai noted that his Government is prioritising rural road infrastructure and requested enhanced inter-state connectivity. The inaugural event was also attended by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, Deputy C

 

hief Minister Arun Sao, Director General (Road Development) D. Sarangi, IRC President K.K. Pipri, and IRC Secretary General S.K. Nirmal. Principal Secretary of Public Works Department, Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, delivered the welcome address. Gadkari released a souvenir, coffee table book, and four new guidelines during the programme. Numerous technical sessions are scheduled over the four-day congress, with 18 documents under detailed review. IRC’s primary objective is to set standards, codes, and specifications related to road and bridge construction and maintenance for adoption by central road agencies, aimed at fostering sustainable infrastructure development across India. On November 9, the 84th meeting of the Highway Research Board (HRB) will convene, gathering representatives from central and state governments, research institutions, IITs, and the private sector to discuss research and development in road infrastructure. The meeting will focus on advancing green tech