Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari today informed that over 80 lakh tonnes of waste materials have been utilized in the construction of national highways. Addressing the CII Conference on the Future of Smart Roads in India in New Delhi, Mr Gadkari said that the adoption of biofuels such as ethanol and methanol in the transport sector has helped reduce logistics costs by 5 to 6 percent. The Minister added that these costs would be brought down to single digits by December this year. Highlighting the economic impact of logistics efficiency, the Minister said that lowering logistics costs will boost trade, increase per-capita income, and support the economically weaker section.

 

 

He also underlined that the use of alternative biofuels will promote sustainability, reduce pollution, and benefit farmers through increased demand for agricultural produce. He also informed that the Ministry’s annual revenue is projected to rise to over 1 lakh crore within two years. Furthermore, he said that six hundred seventy roadside amenities have been developed across the country to ensure comfort and convenience for citizens. Mr Gadkari further said that good infrastructure is the backbone of the country, and sustainable road development will be key to achieving the vision of a 5 trillion economy by 2027.