Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a guest at The Hindu MIND event, speaks to Sandeep Phukan and Jagriti Chandra about road infrastructure, Maharashtra politics, and national issues. Edited excerpts:
There have been complaints about rising toll taxes on our national highways. Last month, you introduced an annual ₹3,000 FASTag pass for passenger vehicles. Do you think the scheme addresses the common man’s concerns?
Four-wheelers comprise 80% of the highway traffic, including commercial and non-commercial vehicles. In the new policy, we are offering an annual pass that brings the average toll tax down to ₹15 per toll (booth), which is negligible. We have made it convenient for the common man. If you want good services, you’ll have to pay for them.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which was the first access-controlled highway, brought down the travel time from nine to two hours. So, there are also savings in terms of fuel. Such highways also help us in reducing our dependence on fossil fuel imports. It is a win-win situation for the users, and the FASTag policy addresses their questions.
Since you mentioned the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, what is the status of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, which was to be ready by December 2025? And do you think this is how India will move ahead in future?
