Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has approved highway projects worth ₹20,000 crore in Gujarat after a detailed inspection of ongoing works and review meetings with state officials. The announcement signals a major boost to the state’s infrastructure, with the Centre emphasizing strict quality standards and timely completion.
During his visit, Gadkari inspected several stretches of the National Highway network, including the Motipura–Himmatnagar section in Sabarkantha and the Shamlaji–Motachiloda corridor. He was accompanied by senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The minister stressed that road quality must be non‑negotiable, warning contractors and engineers that negligence in construction or maintenance would invite strict action.
The ₹20,000 crore package includes six‑lane upgrades, resurfacing projects, and new connectivity corridors designed to ease congestion and improve logistics efficiency. Gadkari noted that Gujarat’s highways carry more than one‑third of the state’s traffic load, making expansion and modernization critical for both passenger convenience and industrial growth.
Speaking at the review meeting in Gandhinagar, Gadkari said the government’s vision is to create world‑class highways that reduce travel time, improve safety, and support India’s economic ambitions. He pointed to the success of earlier projects such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which has already transformed connectivity for western India, and said Gujarat’s new projects would follow similar standards.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of highways for Gujarat’s role as a hub of manufacturing and exports. Improved connectivity, he said, would benefit industrial clusters, ports, and rural areas, ensuring balanced development across the state. Patel also assured full cooperation from the state government in land acquisition and project facilitation.
The minister’s emphasis on accountability was clear throughout his visit. Gadkari reiterated that contractors failing to meet standards would face penalties, while NHAI officials would be held responsible for lapses. He directed teams to adopt strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure durability and safety, adding that public convenience must remain the top priority.
Industry experts believe the new projects will have a significant impact on Gujarat’s economy. Faster and safer highways are expected to reduce logistics costs, improve access to ports, and attract new investment in manufacturing and trade. For commuters, the upgrades promise smoother travel and reduced congestion on busy routes.
The approval also aligns with the Centre’s broader push to strengthen national highway infrastructure across India. Gadkari has consistently argued that modern highways are essential for economic growth, job creation, and regional development. With Gujarat being one of India’s most industrialized states, the ₹20,000 crore investment is seen as a strategic move to support both local and national priorities.
