MoS Harsh Malhotra Highlights MoRTH’s Progress in Building Safer, Greener Highways

Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, highlighted MoRTH’s achievements under PM Modi, including 60,000+ km of highways, major expressways, and increased construction speed. He also highlighted welfare efforts for truck drivers, including insurance, Golden Hour cashless treatment, and skill training. MoRTH aims for sustainable growth.

Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Harsh Malhotra, has emphasized the ministry’s continued commitment to building safer and eco-friendly highway infrastructure across India. Speaking at a recent public event, he highlighted the transformational progress being made under various central government initiatives aimed at sustainable and secure road development.

Safer Highways: Focus on Accident Reduction

One of the key points in Malhotra’s address was the need to drastically reduce road fatalities. MoRTH has rolled out several safety-driven reforms including intelligent traffic management systems, speed-calming measures, and improved signage on national highways.

He reiterated the implementation of recommendations from the Road Safety Audit conducted across critical corridors. As part of this initiative, black spots are being identified and rectified nationwide. According to recent data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, over 7,000 accident-prone spots have been addressed in the last few years. You can explore more about India’s and initiatives like the Integrated Road Accident Database (IrDA) being used to track and analyse accident causes.

Greener Roads: Sustainable Construction and Green Cover

In alignment with India’s environmental commitments, Malhotra pointed to MoRTH’s growing emphasis on green highway projects. The ministry has integrated sustainable practices such as the use of fly ash, plastic waste, and low-carbon construction materials in highway development. Additionally, projects like the ensuring tree plantation alongside major expressways. So far, over three crore trees have been planted, contributing to both carbon sequestration and environmental preservation. Initiatives such as bioengineering for slope stabilization and solar-powered highway infrastructure were also cited as examples of innovation in green road building.

Major Initiatives Underway

Malhotra also reviewed the progress of flagship schemes like Baramulla Pariyojana, under which thousands of kilometres of highways are being constructed with a focus on economic corridors, border roads, and port connectivity. He mentioned that a significant portion of new highway construction is being designed for multimodal logistics support and includes dedicated pedestrian zones, emergency lanes, and EV charging infrastructure. You can read more about MoRTH’s for deeper insights into infrastructure planning.

Collaborative Approach

The minister called for more collaboration between state governments, urban local bodies, and private sector stakeholders to ensure that the mission of safer and greener highways can be implemented seamlessly. He also acknowledged the role of start-ups and tech innovators contributing to smarter road safety tools and sustainable construction technologies.

Infrastructure Expansion with Sustainability

The minister shared updates on the Baramulla Pariyojana, one of India’s largest highway development programs, which aims to build over 65,000 km of highways across the country. Projects under this initiative are now being designed with climate-resilient engineering, pedestrian infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging stations, in line. Malhotra also mentioned alignment with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, which integrates multiple transport modes and digitizes infrastructure planning.

Conclusion

Harsh Malhotra’s remarks reflect MoRTH’s evolving strategy that balances growth with safety and sustainability. As India continues to invest heavily in national infrastructure, these efforts ensure that highways are not just faster routes—but smarter, safer, and greener pathways to the future. For updates on road safety measures, green infrastructure policies, and MoRTH’s highway projects.