11 July,2026 03:43 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addresses the 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers` Meeting in Nagpur. PIC/X
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday called for deeper cooperation among BRICS nations to build transport systems that are sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and future-ready, saying the bloc's collective strength presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of global mobility through innovation, partnership and shared responsibility, news agency PTI reported.
Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, was addressing the 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting in Nagpur under India's BRICS Chairship.
Welcoming transport ministers, heads of delegation and senior officials from member countries, he said the meeting marked an important step towards strengthening transport cooperation among emerging economies.
India's BRICS Chairship, guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflects a people-centric, humanity-first approach inspired by the timeless philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'the world is one family', he said.
"BRICS, representing nearly half of the world's population, is uniquely positioned to lead the development of transport systems that are cleaner, safer, smarter and more efficient while advancing sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity," Gadkari stated, urging stronger collaboration among member nations.
He said common challenges such as infrastructure financing, congestion, emissions, road safety, and last-mile connectivity require collective solutions.
The Union Minister said India is ready to deepen cooperation through knowledge sharing, capacity building, technological collaboration and joint research in green hydrogen, electric mobility, alternative fuels, digital transport systems, and sustainable multimodal infrastructure.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the meeting, Gadkari stated that the deliberations would further strengthen BRICS transport cooperation and contribute to practical, innovative and people-centric mobility solutions.
He urged the BRICS nations to work together to build transport systems that promote inclusive growth, improve regional connectivity, protect the environment, and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Highlighting transport as the backbone of economic development, Gadkari outlined India's rapid transformation across the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors.
"India has developed the world's second-largest road network while significantly expanding access-controlled expressways and multimodal connectivity. The Hybrid Annuity Model as a successful framework for mobilising private investment in infrastructure," he pointed out.
He said Indian Railways has witnessed unprecedented modernisation through near-complete electrification of the broad-gauge network, expansion of Vande Bharat services, progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, and landmark engineering achievements such as the new Pamban Bridge.
Gadkari also highlighted the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, digital initiatives including e-Navik and e-Samudra, and the Green Shipping initiative as key steps towards strengthening maritime infrastructure and improving logistics efficiency.
The two-day meeting is being organised under India's BRICS Chairship theme, 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Delegates from Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are participating in discussions on sustainable transport, infrastructure, clean mobility, logistics resilience and multimodal connectivity.
(With PTI inputs)
