Nitin Gadkari: The Expressway Man Transforming India’s Road Transport and Infrastructure

In February 2021, India achieved a world record that captured global attention – constructing a 2.5-kilometer four-lane concrete road within 24 hours. The achievement, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, entered the Guinness World Records. Behind this remarkable feat stands Nitin Gadkari, a visionary leader who has revolutionized India’s transport infrastructure and earned the moniker “Expressway Man of India.” As the longest-serving Road Transport and Highways Minister in the country’s history, Gadkari has transformed India from a nation building 12 kilometers of highway per day to achieving a record-breaking 37 kilometers daily construction pace, fundamentally reshaping the nation’s connectivity landscape.

From Humble Beginnings to Political Leadership

Nitin Jairam Gadkari was born on May 27, 1957, in a Maharashtrian agricultural family in Nagpur, the orange city of India. His early life was marked by financial struggles, and he experienced considerable hardship while supporting his family and education. His mother, Bhanutai Gadkari, left a profound influence on his life, instilling in him a philanthropic nature and commitment to helping the needy.

The turning point in Gadkari’s political awakening came during the Emergency period of 1975. The government’s excesses during this period deeply disturbed him, prompting him to campaign against the Emergency as a student and become closely involved with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). During this formative period, he completed his Post-Graduate degree in Commerce, studied Law, and earned a Diploma in Business Management from Nagpur University.

Gadkari’s political journey began with his election to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1989, marking the start of his electoral career. He served as the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1999-2005 and headed the Maharashtra Pradesh BJP as State President until 2009. His rapid rise through the party ranks culminated in his appointment as BJP National President in December 2009, becoming the youngest person to hold this position.

Major Achievements and Revolutionary Contributions

Gadkari’s transformative impact on India’s transport infrastructure began during his tenure as Maharashtra’s Public Works Department (PWD) Minister from 1995 to 1999. His most notable achievement was the construction of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India’s first expressway, which he initiated in March 1997 using the Build-Operate-Transfer model. The project involved 133 tenders and was completed by April 2002, along with 55 flyovers in Mumbai that significantly eased traffic problems.

Since becoming Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in 2014, Gadkari has overseen unprecedented growth in India’s highway network. Under his tenure, India’s National Highway network has grown by 60%, becoming the world’s second-largest network, rising from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024. The length of National High-Speed Corridors has increased by 2,560%, rising from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km in 2024.

The statistics speak volumes about Gadkari’s revolutionary approach to transport infrastructure. The pace of highway construction accelerated from just 12 km per day in 2014-15 to a record 37 km per day in 2020-21, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He increased the pace of road creation from 2 km/day to 30 km/day by the end of 2018, setting ambitious targets for further acceleration.

Gadkari’s innovative approaches extend beyond construction speed. He introduced green technologies and environmental consciousness, reserving one percent of total project funds worth ₹2 trillion for trees and beautification. His advocacy for alternative fuels led him to drive a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai car to Parliament, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

Recognition for his achievements has come from across the political spectrum. He received the Late Madhavrao Limaye Award for Most Efficient Member of Parliament for 2020-21, and the World Economic Forum recognized him for pioneering Public-Private Partnership models in the road sector.

Current Vision and Future Initiatives

Under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana program, Gadkari is overseeing 22 world-class access-controlled greenfield expressway projects, presently in various stages of construction. He has supervised the construction of over 91,287 km of National Highways in recent years, with 30,000 km of new roads currently under construction.

Gadkari’s commitment to innovation continues with record-breaking achievements. India has set multiple world records under his leadership, including the construction of a 25-km single-lane bitumen road in 24 hours and the highest quantity of concrete laid in 24 hours at 14,613 cubic meters. These achievements demonstrate India’s growing capabilities in infrastructure development and construction technology.

The minister’s focus on road safety has led to significant policy changes. He mandated safety features such as ABS and six airbags for cars sold in India and launched the Bharat NCAP safety rating system. His environmental initiatives include promoting ethanol blending in gasoline and encouraging the use of plastic in asphalt-bitumen roads.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

Nitin Gadkari stands as the longest-serving Minister for Road Transport and Highways, currently in his tenure for over ten years, and remains the only person to serve under a single portfolio for three consecutive terms. His transformative leadership has not only modernized India’s transport infrastructure but also established new benchmarks for construction efficiency and environmental sustainability. Through his visionary approach to road transport and infrastructure development, Gadkari continues to drive India toward becoming a global leader in highway construction and sustainable transportation solutions.