Mumbai, July 11: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, called on BRICS nations to increase cooperation in developing sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and future-ready transport systems. Speaking at the third BRICS Transport Ministers’ meeting, held under India’s BRICS presidency, Gadkari emphasized that collective efforts are essential to address shared challenges such as infrastructure financing, traffic congestion, carbon emissions, road safety, and last-mile connectivity.
According to an official statement, Gadkari expressed India’s readiness to enhance collaboration with BRICS countries through knowledge sharing, capacity building, technical cooperation, and joint research in areas like green hydrogen, electric mobility, alternative fuels, digital transport systems, and sustainable multimodal infrastructure.
He noted that the collective strength of BRICS nations offers a unique opportunity to innovate and reshape the future of global transport based on partnership and shared responsibility.
Welcoming transport ministers, heads of delegations, senior officials, and other representatives at the meeting in Nagpur, Gadkari described the gathering as a significant step towards strengthening transport cooperation among emerging economies.
He stated that India’s BRICS presidency, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” reflects the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasizing the idea that “humanity is paramount.”
Gadkari highlighted the rapid transformations in India’s road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors, pointing out that the country boasts the world’s second-largest road network and is swiftly expanding access-controlled expressways.
He cited examples such as the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, the Sonmarg Tunnel, and over 10,000 kilometers of greenfield expressways, indicating that India prioritizes both infrastructure development and environmental protection alongside technological innovation.
The minister also mentioned the hybrid annuity model as a successful approach to attract private investment.
Gadkari noted unprecedented modernization in Indian Railways, with nearly complete electrification of the broad gauge network, the expansion of Vande Bharat trains, rapid progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor, and the completion of historic engineering projects like the new Pamban Bridge.
He described digital initiatives such as the “Maritime Amritkal Vision 2047,” e-navigation, and e-maritime as vital steps toward strengthening maritime infrastructure and enhancing logistics efficiency.
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