Minister of State for Road, Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs Shri Harsh Malhotra emphasised on the socio-economic impact of infrastructure and stated that a good and robust road network brings prosperity in the region.

He stated that infrastructural development would be the key driver towards fulfillment of the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He was addressing at the 233rd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at Mizoram University Campus in Aizawl, Mizoram, today.

Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Lalduhoma, Cabinet Minister, Government of Mizoram Shri Vanlalhlana and Member of Parliament, Mizoram Shri Richard Vanlalhmangaiha were also present during the Meeting.

Shri Harsh Malhotra said in the last 11 years, the length of National Highways has gone up by more than 60 % from 91,000 km in 2014 to about 1.47 lakh km now.

The Minister further emphasised the need to adopt world's best proven technologies and and the necessity to reduce the cost of construction without compromising the quality.

Shri Malhotra also stated that the focus should be on sustainable development practices and the need of the hour is adoption of eco-friendly methodologies and cutting edge construction practices and technology for road construction .

He praised Indian Road Congress which over the years has grown into a multi-dimensional organisation devoted to the cause of better roads in the country comprising members from Central and State Governments, Engineering Services of Army, Border Roads Organization, etc.

The Minister highlighted the role of Indian Road Congress in the Construction works on National Highways as the works are carried out as per the standards including quality and safety standards specified by Government for Road and Bridge Works and Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes, guidelines and special publications.

He said that Prime Minister is committed to the development of the North Eastern region. He further stated that North East India has undergone a remarkable infrastructure transformation over the past 11 years with the construction of nearly 10,000 km of National Highways, built at a cost of over ₹1.07 lakh crore, vastly improving connectivity to remote and border areas.

Shri Harsh Malhotra also said that infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel—it is the foundation of economic growth, the pathway to prosperity, and the symbol of the Prime Minister’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047 which is rooted in building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive nation.

***

GDH/HR

Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , Hindi

Harshmalhotra Press Release