By Enersider Desk | New Delhi
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari reviewed the quality and maintenance progress of 4,178 km of National Highway projects in Assam during a meeting in New Delhi on May 20, 2026, according to an official release.
Gadkari emphasised the need to accelerate on-ground execution, strengthen quality monitoring mechanisms, and adopt modern construction practices to enhance asset durability and riding quality.
He also directed officials to undertake advanced monsoon preparedness, including robust drainage systems, slope protection, and rapid response mechanisms to minimize disruptions and ensure commuter safety across key corridors.
The meeting was attended by Union Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, along with officials from NHAI, NHIDCL, MoRTH, and project contractors.
The review followed inputs received through media and social media. The total length of national highway projects reviewed in the state is 4,178 km.
Meanwhile, Gadkari on Thursday made a case for Indian companies forming joint ventures with US companies to leverage their new technologies.
Addressing AMCHAM’s Annual Leadership Summit, Gadkari further said the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is exploring possibilities of taking help of US consultancy companies in preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for road projects, according to a PTI report..
“India is the fastest growing major economy… the US companies develop lots of new technologies, so it is very important for Indian companies to have joint ventures with US companies,” he said.
Noting that supply chain is the most important part in logistics, Gadkari said logistics cost in India has come down to single digit helped by rapid expansion of expressways and economic corridors.
Gadkari further said six months ago, a report prepared by IIT Chennai, IIT Kanpur and IIM Bangalore revealed that India’s construction of expressways and economic corridors has helped reduce the country’s logistics cost to 10 per cent from 16 per cent earlier.
