Nitin Gadkari Calls for Stronger BRICS Cooperation to Build Sustainable, Resilient and Future-Ready Transport Systems

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, opened the 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers’ Meeting under India’s Chairship, calling for deeper cooperation among BRICS nations to build sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and future-ready transport systems.

Theme:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” – guided by India’s people-centric “Humanity First” approach and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is One Family).

India’s Achievements:
- Second-largest road network globally, with major projects like the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, Sonamarg Tunnel, and 10,000 km of Greenfield Expressways.
- Rail modernization: near-complete electrification, Vande Bharat services, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail, and engineering feats like the new Pamban Bridge.
- Maritime initiatives: Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Green Shipping, and digital tools like e-Navik and e-Samudra.
- Aviation & urban mobility: UDAN regional connectivity scheme, Green Urban Mobility, and deployment of electric buses.

Safety & Sustainability:
- PM-RAHAT scheme for cashless treatment of accident victims.
- Use of recycled plastic, fly ash, steel slag, bamboo crash barriers, and end-of-life tyres in road construction.

Call for Collaboration:
- Joint research in green hydrogen, electric mobility, alternative fuels, digital transport systems, and multimodal infrastructure.
- Shared solutions for challenges like financing, congestion, emissions, and road safety.

Significance
With BRICS representing nearly half of the world’s population, Gadkari emphasized the grouping’s unique position to lead the development of cleaner, safer, smarter transport systems that drive sustainable growth and regional connectivity.

This meeting strengthens BRICS cooperation and sets the stage for innovative, people-centric mobility solutions that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.