MoS Harsh Malhotra Highlights Role of Infrastructure in Realizing Viksit Bharat Vision by 2047

Vision 2047: Roads Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat

Aizawl, Mizoram | June 20- Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra, underscored the transformative power of infrastructure in driving socio-economic development across India. Addressing the 233rd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) at Mizoram University Campus in Aizawl, the Minister reiterated that a strong and efficient road network is critical to bringing prosperity and connectivity to every region, especially in the remote and border areas.

Shri Malhotra emphasized that infrastructure is not merely a combination of concrete and steel—it is the backbone of economic growth and a core enabler in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He stated that India’s development journey hinges significantly on enhancing transport connectivity, improving regional integration, and reducing travel time through strategic road expansion.

The Minister highlighted that in the past 11 years, India’s National Highway network has expanded by over 60%, rising from approximately 91,000 km in 2014 to nearly 1.47 lakh km in 2025. This growth, he noted, reflects the government’s consistent commitment to infrastructure-led development.

He further urged stakeholders in the road construction and engineering sectors to adopt global best practices and technologies that balance quality with cost-effectiveness. Stressing the importance of sustainable development, Shri Malhotra advocated for the use of eco-friendly construction methods, modern technology, and innovative practices to ensure durable and environmentally responsible road projects.

Commending the Indian Roads Congress, the Minister praised its evolution into a dynamic multi-disciplinary platform that brings together professionals from Central and State Governments, the Armed Forces’ Engineering Services, Border Roads Organisation, and academic institutions. He noted that the IRC has played a vital role in setting standards, guidelines, and specifications which are now integral to the design, safety, and quality of national road and bridge construction projects across the country.

Reaffirming the central government’s commitment to the North Eastern region, Shri Malhotra noted that nearly 10,000 km of National Highways have been constructed in the region over the last decade. These projects, worth more than ₹1.07 lakh crore, have significantly enhanced connectivity and improved access to strategic and remote areas, helping integrate the region with the national economic mainstream.

Concluding his address, Shri Malhotra said, “Infrastructure is not just development—it’s a promise of inclusion, opportunity, and growth. It is the road to our collective future, leading us to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”