Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, is steering India’s infrastructure vision with a clear message — world-class connectivity is the backbone of tourism growth. From coastal gateways to spiritual circuits, his focus is on building projects that transform travel experiences and unlock the economic potential of destinations.
“Our aim is to empower tourism hubs with infrastructure that rivals the best in the world,” he asserts, citing landmark initiatives like panoramic viewing towers, all-weather expressways, and seamless city-to-city corridors. “When a tourist can reach a destination faster, without traffic or hassle, the experience becomes richer and more memorable.”
The scale of his ambition is staggering — projects worth over ₹5–6 lakh crore every year, including highways, ropeways, tunnels, and greenfield express corridors. A significant portion is dedicated to religious and cultural tourism, with more than ₹1 lakh crore allocated to connecting sacred destinations like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
In his vision, infrastructure is not just about moving vehicles; it’s about moving economies. “Improved connectivity reduces logistics costs, strengthens local livelihoods, and attracts both domestic and international visitors. This is how tourism becomes a driver of inclusive growth.”
He takes pride in reducing travel times dramatically — Delhi to Jaipur in just two hours, Delhi to Amritsar in four, and Delhi to Katra in six. Expressways linking Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and other key states are designed with the tourist’s journey in mind, ensuring that world-class roads are complemented by facilities that enhance the travel experience.
Looking ahead, Gadkari envisions Indian highways that match, and in some cases exceed, global benchmarks. “Within the next two years, our road network will rival the best in the world. In some corridors, we are already ahead.”
Whether it’s panoramic infrastructure along the Zuari bridge in Goa or multi-modal links to Andhra Pradesh’s beaches and temple towns, his approach is consistent — design projects that serve both the traveller and the local community. “Tourism and infrastructure must grow together. One inspires the other, and together they create prosperity.”
