Nitin Gadkari
Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India- Nitin Jairam Gadkari is a B.Com graduate from Nagpur University, he then went on to do LL.B from the city's University College of Law. His family is involved in agriculture
- In 1979, he became Secretary, Vidarbha region of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s student wing, and successfully organised its 28th National Convention
- In 1981, he was appointed as President-Nagpur City of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJP's youth wing. In 1985, he became Secretary-Nagpur City of the BJP
- In 1990, Gadkari became a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) after successfully contesting elections from the Nagpur division’s Graduates Constituency. He was re-elected as MLC in 1996
- He was made the PWD Minister in the NDA government in Maharashtra in 1995. He earned a reputation as a capable state minister thanks to several infrastructure projects.
- He wasted no time and in a day, transferred all PWD assets in Mumbai to MSRDC. Thus came into existence a body that went on to build some 55 flyovers in Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, all completed in the promised time frame, earning him sobriquets like “bridge bhushan” and “flyover man”.
- Gadkari was the key person behind the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) in infrastructure development in India. The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model is based on this concept which is now widely implemented in India
- Acknowledging his skills, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had made him in-charge of the NDA’s committee on infrastructure. He also headed the former PM’s dream Golden Quadrilateral project and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- At 52, he became the youngest BJP president, in December 2009. He travelled across India highlighting the UPA government's failures in controlling inflation and corruption
- In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Gadkari won the Nagpur constituency by an impressive margin of 2.85 lakh votes. He was given the high profile Union ministry of road transport, highways, shipping and water resources with the task of modernising India's infrastructure
- One of the most lauded ministers in the first Modi cabinet, he acquired a reputation for efficiency and execution. Gadkari is credited with lifting highways construction to over 30 km a day from 12 km when he took charge in 2014. Under his watch, projects such as Sagarmala and port-led development were kicked off
- Thanks to a stellar performance, the feisty leader cemented his electoral muscle in Nagpur with a second Lok Sabha win in 2019. He has been the longest-serving minister for road transport & highways. He played a key role in launching the new Motor Vehicles Act
- Gadkari has also been BJP’s troubleshooter in Goa, sorting out the political chaos that ensued after the death of Manohar Parrikar
Before you go ...
- He co-authored a book, India Aspires: Redefining Politics of Development, with BJP spokesman Tuhin Sinha
- Allegations over dubious deals regarding his Purti group surfaced to haunt him in 2012
- Gadkari is a die-hard foodie and is an authority on vegetarian and Maharashtrian food. He also loves to take his friends on culinary trips
Nitin Gadkari News
The government plans to introduce Bharat NCAP-like safety standards for e-rickshaws. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted road safety concerns, citing numerous accidents and fatalities. He emphasized the importance of helmet and seat belt usage. Gadkari also mentioned that road accidents cause a 3% GDP loss. Safety audits are underway to identify accident causes.
The Congress party has accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of a conflict of interest, alleging he promoted ethanol production to benefit companies linked to his sons. The BJP refuted these claims, likening the Congress to the Aam Aadmi Party's unsubstantiated accusations.
In a consultative meeting with all states and UTs on Wednesday, under the chairmanship of road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, the ministry of road transport and highways briefed the states on the upcoming Urban Decongestion Policy and the State Road Development Policy while also elaborating on its initiatives like using of municipal waste in the construction of highway embankments and proposed amendments to the National Highways Act, 1956, to simplify land acquisition procedures and enhance transparency, among others.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has urged NHAI and BDA to conduct a joint inspection for integrating the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway with the Major Arterial Road. This action follows concerns that the current design, lacking a direct connection, could cause significant congestion at the intersection.
Nitin Gadkari emphasized green hydrogen's potential to revolutionize transport, pharmaceuticals, and steel industries, aiming to reduce fuel costs and transform India into an energy exporter. He highlighted upcoming trials for green hydrogen trucks and the possibility of using municipal waste for cheap hydrogen production.
Nitin Gadkari emphasizes infrastructure upgrades for India's economic goals. The focus is on green highways and improved connectivity. Logistics costs are decreasing. Public transport will be pollution-free and cost-effective. India aims to become an energy exporter. The automobile industry is set to become world number one. Efforts are on for road safety and eco-friendly construction.
Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi has urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to suspend toll collection on highways in Assam until necessary repairs are completed. Citing the deplorable condition of NH-27 and NH-37, Gogoi highlighted the dangers posed by potholes and waterlogging.
Nitin Gadkari stated that India is building world-class infrastructure to achieve its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy and the world's third largest. The road network will be number one globally in the coming years, with a focus on quality, cost, and pan-India development. The ministry is working to reduce pollution and ease travel time.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Economic Times World Leaders Forum that India’s economy must create jobs to lift incomes and reduce poverty. He said India aims to lead the global road and transport industry within five years, powered by renewable energy. Gadkari also highlighted falling logistics costs, cleaner mobility efforts like electric and hydrogen buses, and highway projects cutting travel times. He added that India is the world’s fastest growing economy and that its progress is now recognised internationally.
The Economic Times' World Leaders Forum commences today in Delhi, featuring prominent figures from business, politics, and technology. Prime Minister Modi will address the exclusive gathering on Saturday. Key ministers like Rajnath Singh and S Jaishankar will participate, alongside global leaders from BCG, PwC, and BMW.
