Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that India is set to lead the world in alternative and biofuels. Laying the foundation stone and dedicating to the nation, three National Highways projects in Puducherry on 13 October 2025, he said that the size of the automobile industry in India has grown from ₹14 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹22 lakh crore now, creating 4.5 crore jobs and boosting exports.
The Minister dedicated to the nation the 38-kilometre-long four-lane Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam section of NH-32, built at a cost of 1,588 crore rupees. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 4-kilometre elevated corridor between Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square on NH-32 with an outlay of 436 crore rupees. In addition, the foundation stone for the improvement works of a 14-kilometre stretch of the East Coast Road (NH-332A) with an investment of 25 crore rupees was also laid.
Highlighting sustainable construction practices, he said municipal waste is being used in road building and so far 18 lakh tonnes of such waste have been utilised. Mr. Gadkari said that tractor manufacturers will be encouraged to introduce flex-fuel, ethanol, CNG, and electric engines, noting that electric tractors can help farmers save up to ₹1.5 lakh annually. He added that India’s logistics cost has come down from 16 percent to 10 percent and is expected to reach 9 percent by December this yeara due to improved road infrastructure and efficient fuels.
Mr. Gadkari announced that work on two new highway projects in Puducherry will begin within three months. He said that over the last ten years, projects worth ₹25,000 crore have been planned for Puducherry — of which works worth ₹3,100 crore covering 85 kilometres have been completed, ₹11,000 crore projects for 200 kilometres are ongoing, and upcoming projects worth ₹10,300 crore covering 103 kilometres will begin soon.
Responding to requests from the Lt. Governor and the Chief Minister regarding small bridge projects, the Minister announced ₹100 crore under the Sethubandhan. He also announced sanction for a ₹650-crore project for a 3-km four-lane elevated corridor connecting Natesan Nagar ROB to Marapalam Junction and a 13.5-km four-lane stretch from Ariyankuppam to Mullodai. The DPR for this project is in progress, and work will commence in early 2026. In addition, the Minister informed that bids have been invited for the ₹2,200-crore, 46-km four-lane Marakkanam–Puducherry section, and the project will be awarded before December.
Delivering his special address, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan said that over the past 11 years, the nation has witnessed remarkable reforms in infrastructure, including the development of national highways, express corridors, tunnels, and other major projects. Puducherry Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker R. Selvam, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly and senior officials attended the event.