Construction & infrastructure equipment should be manufactured in India itself so that the cost of construction can be reduced, according to Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Conference on Highway Equipment in Delhi, Gadkari said that it will also fulfil the Prime Minister's vision of ‘Make in India'. The joint venture can also be taken up with the foreign partners wherever feasible, he added.

Gadkari said that the Ministry's target is to expedite the construction of National Highways in India. He said that all steps should be taken to develop new technologies and equipment so as to bring down the cost of construction and improving the quality of road infrastructure.

He emphasized upon innovation, entrepreneurship and technology in order to develop modern infrastructure.

The Minister also said that the use of bio-diesel, ethanol and bio-gas should be promoted in transportation sector so as to reduce the harmful effects on the environment.

Gadkari called upon the industrialists to impart skill development training to the local youth in their regions so that the local population can also participate in the socio-economic development of that area. He also said that the inland waterways should be developed to reduce the cost of transportation which is about one fifth of the cost as compared to other modes of transportation.

S N Das, Director General of Road Development and Special Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; Amit Gosain, President of Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers Association and other senior officials of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways were also present on the occasion.