MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Nitin Gadkari flags Indian highways, expressways still lack perfect signage
Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need for better project preparation and accountability in urban road development initiatives. He expressed concern over the lack of proper signage on Indian highways and its role in accidents. Gadkari mentioned nearly 5 lakh road accidents each year, causing 1.8 lakh deaths in India. He proposed that urban planning requires integrated approaches among various transport agencies to optimize public resources.
NHAI will dig up rivers to build highways: 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt identified to tackle Bihar floods & speed up roadwork
The Centre and Bihar government have launched the 'Nadi Sanjivani' initiative to tackle recurring floods through river desilting while supporting highway construction. Under the agreement, NHAI will use 1,078 lakh cubic metres of excavated silt and sand in ongoing and upcoming national highway projects. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the initiative could serve as a model for other states.
Road ministry signs MoU with Bihar to use river silt for national highways construction
The ministry of road transport and highways signed an MoU with the Bihar government for river desilting. This initiative aims to use excavated silt in ongoing and future National Highway construction projects. A total of 1,078 lakh cubic metres of silt is planned for utilization in 43 highway projects in Bihar.
In 2026, Utah began recycling 35 miles of US 50 in place instead of hauling away the old road; the method reuses 90% of the material and is expected to save $5 million
In Utah, a groundbreaking road restoration initiative is underway on US Route 50, employing cold in-place recycling. This innovative method conserves 90% of existing materials, yielding estimated savings of $5 million. Additionally, it notably cuts down greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. While more suited for low-traffic routes, UDOT's future plans for I-70 reflect a commitment to eco-friendly road management.
In 2005, Missouri turned old roofing shingles into part of Route 61/67; six years later, MoDOT still called the St. Louis County pavement's performance favorable
Every year, countless tons of discarded asphalt shingles fill landfills across the U.S. Since 2003, Missouri’s Department of Transportation has ingeniously repurposed these shingles for roadbuilding. This initiative has successfully minimized landfill waste while delivering substantial savings in road upkeep. Studies indicate that roads constructed with recycled shingles perform reliably, prompting other states to explore similar eco-friendly strategies for managing roofing waste.
Centre approves Rs 989 crore for 39 road projects in Keralam
The Centre has approved Rs 988.75 crore for 39 road development projects in Keralam that will begin in December. The funding will support the development of 486.33 km of roads across various districts. Rs 570 crore is specifically allocated for road projects in the Malabar region. The projects include major and ordinary district roads, as well as Corporation roads.
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In the late 1970s, a Wyoming section of I-80 used 85% recycled pavement; an FHWA review reported that it lasted 12 years before rehabilitation
Asphalt recycling has been an effective method for over half a century, playing a vital role in maintaining our roads. However, a recent infrastructure report revealed that American roads hold a dismal D+ grade. The lack of funding has stalled essential repairs, leading to deteriorating conditions. Although the asphalt sector excels in material reuse, the overall system has not kept pace.
Three killed after two helicopters collide midair near Oregon - Here's what we know so far
Tragedy struck near McMinnville when two helicopters collided in midair, resulting in the deaths of all three onboard. The incident, involving a Robinson R22 and an Airbus AS350B3, occurred at approximately 2:10 PM local time. Emergency services quickly responded and discovered the wreckage in a nearby field. Among the victims were a Texas flight instructor, a student pilot from the UK, and a local Oregon resident.
National highways face a report card test: Govt to assess potholes, road safety, congestion, toll plazas and user experience
The road transport and highways ministry is introducing a rating system to assess the performance of national highway corridors and improve the experience of road users. Highways will be ranked on three parameters: efficiency, safety and user experience, with separate criteria for expressways and designated high-speed corridors. Factors such as congestion, road conditions, accident rates, fatalities and toll plaza facilities will determine the ratings.
India's 100% ethanol-run vehicle push faces Supreme Court question to govt over fuel supply
The Supreme Court questioned the Centre over ethanol supply for 100% ethanol-run vehicles after India amended motor vehicle rules to permit E100 flex-fuel vehicles. The government acknowledged that large-scale manufacturing changes would be necessary. The court also highlighted farmers' interests while examining ethanol allocation disputes, as the Centre ruled out increasing petrol ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.
Road ministry to assess and rate all national highways
In a notification issued on Thursday, the ministry of road transport and highways said it will assess the overall performance of highways on three main parameters including highway efficiency, highway safety and user experience
Nitin Gadkari says no challan for speeding up to 20% over the limit: What he told officials, when challans should be issued & what motorists must know
Nitin Gadkari has said motorists should not receive speeding challans for exceeding the applicable speed limit by up to 20%, while those crossing the threshold should be penalised. He also warned contractors over poor-quality highways, defended E20 petrol blending and called for domestic manufacturing of tunnel-boring machines as India plans major investments in tunnel infrastructure.
TMP Manipur, Meitei Alliance move Supreme Court over highway blockades, extortion
The petition names the State of Manipur, the Union of India through the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as respondents. It seeks comprehensive directions to prevent unlawful highway blockades, address extortion and unauthorised collections from highway users, and establish an effective mechanism to protect vital transport routes.
FASTag new rules from November 1: Live within 20 km of a toll plaza? You can get this annual pass from next month
Starting from November 1, 2026, vehicle owners residing within a 20 km radius of toll plazas can apply for a discounted local FASTag pass. The yearly fee is set at Rs 1,500 for locations outside city limits and Rs 3,000 for those within.
E20 criticism was a ‘paid campaign’, says Nitin Gadkari amid flex-fuel push
Nitin Gadkari stated that the uproar over E20 blending in petrol was a paid campaign against it. He emphasized that many vehicles have used blends without significant issues or failures reported. The minister reviewed highway condition complaints and assured improvements in the next two years. He also noted a significant increase in the national highway network since 2014, improving connectivity.
Gadkari urges industry to manufacture tunnel boring machines in India
Nitin Gadkari urged the industry to focus on developing tunnel machinery indigenously due to recent export controls from China. The Indian government plans to invest over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects, including highways and tunnels. Gadkari highlighted the importance of quality in highway construction and stated that poor-performing contractors would face consequences. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve logistics costs and connectivity through various projects.
Delhi to Haridwar in 1.5 hours next month? Nitin Gadkari says new road projects will boost tourism, jobs
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the opening of new road projects next month. Travel time from Delhi to Haridwar will be reduced to just one and half hours. Increased road connectivity has led to a significant rise in tourist traffic at religious destinations. Gadkari highlighted the economic impact of infrastructure investment, promoting job creation in the sector.
Road ministry introduces concessional local pass for FASTag user living near toll plazas
The pass, which will cost Rs 1500 or Rs 3000 depending on the location of the toll plaza, will be effective from November 1, 2026 and will help eligible residents living within 20 km of the plaza and who regularly travel through nearby toll plazas for work, education and other local needs.
E100 ethanol fuel allowed in India: What it is, whether you can use it in your existing petrol car & what the new rules mean
E100 ethanol fuel India: The government has amended vehicle emission rules to allow E100, a fuel containing 100% ethanol, in compatible flex-fuel vehicles alongside E85. The move supports India's push to increase ethanol use and reduce dependence on imported crude oil. However, E100 cannot be used in regular petrol cars unless they are specifically designed for the fuel, and no nationwide rollout date has been announced.
National Highway toll rules: Residents living close to a toll plaza can get a new annual concessional pass; check eligibility, rural and urban rates, and how much commuters can save
Residents living within 20 km of National Highway toll plazas are eligible for a new annual concessional pass. The fees for this pass will be Rs 1,500 or Rs 3,000 depending on the plaza's location. This move provides significant savings compared to the current monthly pass costs, which total Rs 4,320 annually. To qualify, vehicles must have a valid FASTag and be registered for personal use.
MoSPI report shows Rs 3.22 lakh crore cost overrun in India’s ongoing infrastructure projects
Infrastructure projects worth over Rs 150 crore have seen a cumulative cost overrun of approximately Rs 3,21,976 crore. About 1,853 infrastructure projects across 17 ministries were monitored, showing total costs revised to Rs 37,55,803 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways leads with the most ongoing projects and costs. Approximately 47.21 percent of the total project cost has been spent so far, indicating steady progress.
Govt amends motor vehicle rules to allow E100 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles, clarifies E20 vehicles unaffected
The Centre has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to recognise E100 fuel for flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on up to 100% ethanol. Notified on October 23, 2026, the changes add E100 alongside E85 in emission regulations and update fuel specifications and testing requirements.
'Best roads in the world': Foreign traveller drives 2,500 km through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Rajasthan; here’s what surprised him
A foreign traveller has praised India's road network, saying the country now has “some of the best roads in the world” after completing a journey of more than 2,500 km from Tamil Nadu towards the Himalayas. The drive took him through several states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan, as India continues to expand its National Highway network.
Driving licences in India may have different colours: Check all changes in plan and why
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed colour-coded driving licences for Indian and foreign nationals, mandatory blood group and emergency contact details, and stricter safe-driving assessments. Draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules also propose a 75% passing threshold, free changes to personal details, Aadhaar-based fee waivers for select online services, and a 15-day deadline for licence updates.
Driving licence holders, take note: New rules may change your card details, documents needed & online services; check what the govt proposes
Driving licence news: The government has proposed major changes to India's driving licence rules, including colour-coded licences for Indian and foreign nationals, a higher safe-driving assessment pass mark of 75% and mandatory details such as blood group and emergency contact information. The draft also proposes stricter document verification, possible fee waivers for certain online services using Aadhaar authentication and fixed timelines for processing applications to update licence details. Here is what could change if the proposals are approved.
Event data recorders may be mandatory for vehicles
By 2029, India's ministry of road transport and highways is looking to enforce the installation of event data recorders in vehicles to enhance safety and decrease road accident rates. Additionally, from 2030, passenger vehicles will be required to feature advanced emergency braking systems.
New cars may get automatic emergency braking from 2030: What does it mean?
The Road Ministry aims to implement Advanced Emergency Braking Systems for all new car models by October 2030. For pre-2030 models still in production, these systems will be mandatory starting October 2032. Additionally, the ministry will enforce revised braking standards for trucks, set to commence on October 1, 2027. Electronic stability control systems will also be mandated for trucks from the same date.
Qualification threshold for driving licence applicants may be made tougher
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in its draft amendments, has proposed that the safe-driving tutorial should run for at least 30 minutes, and that pass marks be raised to 75% from the current 60%.
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