Overview
- At the inauguration, the Union minister said three previously approved road packages for Odisha are being expedited and five new national highway proposals have his go‑ahead.
- Gadkari indicated the stalled Gopalpur–Puri coastal road will resume after design changes to address environmental clearances.
- He pressed for high‑quality Detailed Project Reports and a shift away from lowest‑bid DPR awards, calling better planning key to durability and lower delays.
- The policy agenda highlighted advanced engineering standards, intelligent transport systems, and stronger road‑safety measures to curb fatalities.
- He promoted sustainable materials such as bio‑bitumen and recycled plastic, as the four‑day IRC gathers about 3,500 delegates for 19 technical sessions focused on resilient, eco‑friendly infrastructure.