Nitin Gadkari is not just a performer, but a transformative force who reshapes India’s infrastructure landscape. His visionary leadership and dedication to sustainability make him a key player in the nation’s development
- Gadkari’s commitment to sustainability extends to innovations such as using segregated waste for road construction and introducing ethanol-based vehicles
- At 52, he became the youngest BJP President, driven by a passion for development and a commitment to uplifting the underprivileged
NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI, the friendly and approachable face of the BJP, has seamlessly transitioned from being a key strategist to the Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the Modi government. Renowned as a problem-solver and doer, Gadkari’s influence extends beyond politics, particularly in reshaping India’s infrastructure landscape.
In the last nine years, India has made remarkable strides by adding over 50,000 lane kilometres to its expansive highway system. This achievement underscores the nation’s ambitious goals for robust infrastructure development. India proudly holds the distinction of possessing the world’s second-largest road network, spanning an impressive 63.73 lakh kilometres.
UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACH
In nine years under his leadership, flagship projects include the Atal Tunnel, the world’s highest single-tube highway tunnel, and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, India’s largest expressway covering 1,386 km. Gadkari has successfully implemented the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System, enhancing toll collection efficiency and reducing traffic congestion on national highways. Gadkari’s long-standing commitment to road development and his focus on waterways contribute to India’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
Beyond politics, Gadkari champions electric vehicles and renewable energy. His commitment to sustainability includes innovative approaches such as using segregated waste for road construction and promoting ethanol-based vehicles, steering India towards a greener future
Gadkari’s unconventional approach, rooted in his tenure as the public works minister in Maharashtra, focuses on public-private partnerships and efficient project execution. He played a key role in setting up the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and building critical infrastructure. He also ensured that all the 13,736 villages in Maharashtra had access to all-weather roads. He followed the principles of transparency and integrity in all my work. Gadkari’s commitment to sustainability extends to innovations such as using segregated waste for road construction and introducing ethanol-based vehicles.
WHAT NEXT
Under Gadkari’s leadership, expressways capable of handling Air Force plane landings are being constructed at an impressive pace. The implementation of BS-VI norms, ethanol-mixed fuel, and a focus on flex fuel and electric vehicles demonstrate a forward-looking approach to transportation. His pet project, the vehicle-scrapping policy, received approval in the Budget, and he aims to drive momentum in the MSME sector for manufacturing and exports.
CANDID AND APPROACHABLE
Known for his candid acknowledgement of shortcomings in his ministries, Gadkari actively addresses industry events and shares his speeches on YouTube, generating revenue. A matter of pride for Gadkari is his role in replacing hand-pulled rickshaws with e-rickshaws, with three crore e-rickshaws now in India. His vision extends to decongesting the national capital and reducing garbage mountains through innovative projects.
Advocating for alternative fuels, he promotes ethanol, biodiesel, and electric vehicles to reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. The 66-year-old leader is the sole minister to have held the same portfolio since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.
SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION
Beyond politics, Gadkari champions electric vehicles and renewable energy. His commitment to sustainability includes innovative approaches such as using segregated waste for road construction and promoting ethanol-based vehicles, steering India towards a greener future.
OFF BEAT
Known for his candid acknowledgement of shortcomings, Gadkari actively engages with the public through speeches on YouTube. He personally embraces hydrogen cars and actively promotes environmentally friendly alternatives, envisioning a future with choices that reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
He loves to eat Mumbai’s street food and also loves to listen to old Hindi film songs.