New Delhi, India  – Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the Global Road Infratech Summit & Expo 2025 (GRIS), organised by the International Road Federation – India Chapter (IRF-IC), which took place on 6-7 March 2025, in New Delhi, India. Under the theme “Vision Zero: Sustainable Infratech and Policy for Safer Roads,” the summit convened government officials, private sector companies, researchers, and other key stakeholders, to discuss innovation for advancements in road infrastructure safety, resilience and efficiency.  

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the summit and exhibition, outlining the government’s aim to reduce road accident rates by 50% by 2030.  

The minister said that many road crashes in India are due to poor civil engineering practices in road design, construction, and management and improper road signages and marking systems. He suggested that they can be rectified by emulating from what is being practiced in countries such as Spain, Austria and Switzerland.

“I urge IRF to draft a report and bring to me evidence-based solutions and best practices and I will make sure they get implemented in India”. Substandard detailed project reports (DPRs) also contributed to poor quality of roads, he said. Praising the International Road Federation for its work and the support & expertise provided to the government, Gadkari requested IRF to work together to define ways in which contractors can be supported and encouraged to embrace innovation and to unleash its full potential in the country.  

Gadkari highlighted the government’s focus on stricter regulations, the adoption of advanced safety technologies, and investment in infrastructure upgrades.  

The event featured technical sessions, technology demonstrations, and dialogues centred on sustainable infrastructure development, intelligent transportation systems, and effective road safety measures. It aimed to inspire innovation, showcase solutions at the exhibition, foster knowledge exchange, and open networking opportunities between key decision-makers from government and private sector.  

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Susanna Zammataro, Director General of the IRF, highlighted the federation’s commitment to supporting India’s efforts in improving road safety and infrastructure delivery.  

“The path to zero deaths and injuries on our roads is not just a challenge but an imperative. The question is not whether we can achieve it, but how quickly and effectively we can act” she said. The IRF is working with governments and stakeholders to promote policies and practices that contribute to this goal. The organisation also supports the use of data collection and analysis to inform evidence-based decision-making. In welcoming Minister Gadkari, IRF DG emphasised the importance of addressing three key points going forward:

1. A reform of public procurement
2. The creation of a “safe environment” where private sector can innovate
3. The need for clear policy frameworks and international collaboration. 

“Nothing of all this, can be delivered without skilled professionals” she added. While recalling the importance to build adequate capacity, she informed the union minister about the IRF International Registry for Road Safety Auditors launched last October thanks to the support of TotalEnergies.
 
Addressing the inaugural session, Mr Kiran Kapila, President Emeritus of the IRF and founder of the IRF India Chapter stressed the crucial role that the IRF IC plays in adapting global practices to the specific needs and challenges within India. 

Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of best practices, the IRF and its India Chapter aim to create connections to empower safer and more sustainable mobility internationally. 

Press coverage of the summit

• Read news from Hindustan Times
• Read news from Tripura Star News
• Read news from The Impressive Times
• Read news from NBM&CW