The 233rd Mid-Term Council Meeting of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) concluded successfully on June 21 at Mizoram University, Aizawl, marking a major milestone in national-level dialogue on road infrastructure development in India. Held over two days, June 20 and 21, the high-level event brought together senior officials, engineers, and experts from across the country to discuss the future of India’s road network. The gathering served as a vital platform for discussing innovations, sustainable construction, and the need for deeper collaboration between national and state-level agencies—especially in challenging and strategic areas such as the Northeast and border regions.
Addressing the meeting virtually, V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), reaffirmed the central government’s strong commitment to fast-tracking road development across difficult terrains and border zones. He emphasized that roads are not just physical infrastructure, but lifelines for economic growth, national security, and regional integration. The event was attended by several top officials, underscoring its significance in shaping the future of India’s road infrastructure. Notable dignitaries included the Secretary General of the Indian Roads Congress, the Director General (Road Development) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), as well as Additional Director Generals and Chief Engineers from MoRTH. Also present were the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department (PWD), Mizoram, the Chief Engineer of Project Pushpak from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Jitendra Kumar, VSM, Additional Director General (Border Roads East).
In his address, Jitendra Kumar emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the need to improve field-level efficiency in road construction. He highlighted how the effective use of technology, proper manpower deployment, and strategic resource planning can significantly enhance the success of infrastructure projects, especially in remote and border areas. The key themes discussed during the meeting focused on improving the quality and durability of road infrastructure, adopting new technologies for construction and maintenance, strengthening coordination among various agencies for smoother execution, addressing persistent connectivity challenges in remote, hilly, and border regions, and promoting the development of sustainable and eco-friendly roads to ensure long-term resilience. Discussions also highlighted the urgent need to improve infrastructure in the Northeast, a region often impacted by difficult terrain and weather challenges. Officials noted that areas like Mizoram, with their strategic location, must be prioritized in national road development strategies.
