Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the 84th Indian Roads Congress at Janata Maidan here on Friday.

This is the sixth time that the state organised the annual session, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure and road development.

The prestigious event, held at Janata Maidan, brought together over 3,500 delegates including engineers, policymakers, and industry experts from across the country.

Themed “Better and Safer Roads”, the four-day congress aims to foster innovation, sustainability, and safety in road construction and transportation.

In his keynote address, Minister Gadkari emphasised the government’s commitment to building a world-class road network that supports economic growth and enhances connectivity across India.

He lauded Odisha’s efforts in infrastructure development, highlighting the state’s ambitious plan to construct 75,000 kilometers of roads over the next five years.

Gadkari also stressed the importance of adopting advanced technologies, cost-effective construction methods, and green practices to ensure long-term sustainability.

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who was present at the event, expressed pride in hosting the IRC for the sixth time and underscored the state’s progress in road development.

Public Works Department Minister Prithviraj Harichandan noted that Odisha now boasts 13.16 km of roads per lakh population, surpassing the national average of 11 km.

The 84th IRC is expected to shape the future of India’s road infrastructure and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.