Nitin Gadkari took charge on Wednesday for the third time as India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra also assumed their roles as Ministers of State.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reappointment in Modi’s third term, Gadkari remarked that under Modi’s visionary leadership, India will achieve world-class, modern infrastructure at an accelerated pace, according to a statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

MoRTH Secretary Anurag Jain, along with other senior officials, welcomed Gadkari, Tamta, and Malhotra at the transport bhawan premises.

TCI Group Managing Director Vineet Agarwal praised Gadkari’s impact on infrastructure, stating, “Minister Gadkari’s vision has transformed infrastructure, making it more innovative, efficient, and sustainable. He has streamlined processes, involved the private sector, and implemented groundbreaking policy initiatives related to biofuel blending, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen technologies. These forward-looking policies have not only accelerated infrastructure development but also boosted economic growth nationwide.”

One of the key initiatives under Gadkari’s leadership is the adoption of the GNSS-based electronic toll collection in India. This initiative aims to provide a seamless and barrier-free tolling experience on National Highways (NHs). The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited global bids for implementing the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based electronic toll collection.

The implementation of GNSS-based tolling will facilitate smooth vehicle movement along the NHs and offer numerous benefits to highway users. These benefits include barrier-less free-flow tolling for a hassle-free riding experience and distance-based tolling, where users will pay only for the stretch they have traveled.