Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that it is important to not only discuss modern technologies and methods in road and infrastructure construction but to also draw inspiration from the effective techniques used in ancient times.
He highlighted Bhopal’s “Upper Lake”, constructed by Raja Bhoj over a thousand years ago, as a remarkable example of economical and efficient water management.
Additionally, the depiction of roads on coins from the eras of Emperor Ashoka and Emperor Vikramaditya underscores the significance of roads in those times.
These historical examples demonstrate that when we talk about new technologies, ancient methods often serve as the foundation for their development. Dr. Yadav made these remarks during the inaugural session of the two-day seminar on “Latest Emerging Trends and Technologies in Road and Bridge Construction,” held at Ravindra Bhawan under the joint aegis of the Public Works Department, Madhya Pradesh, and the Indian Road Council, New Delhi.
Seminar Set to Make Significant Contribution to Infrastructure Development
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, it is essential to prioritize local skills, competencies, and practical conditions alongside the latest technologies and techniques.
He emphasized that this seminar will play a crucial role in promoting quality road and infrastructure construction while ensuring the economical use of resources. Dr. Yadav expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend this national-level seminar in Bhopal, which focuses on the latest technologies, techniques, and innovations in road and infrastructure development. He also appreciated the guidance provided by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, a dynamic leader in Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet.
Dr. Yadav thanked Gadkari for approving the Bhopal-Kanpur four-lane project, which will be constructed at a cost of ₹3,589 crore. Additionally, he shared the exciting news that Gadkari will soon provide a ₹25,000 crore investment for infrastructure development in Madhya Pradesh, a significant boon for the people of the state.
State’s developed road network will add pace to expansion of industrial activities
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that industrial conclaves are being organized at the regional level to evenly expand industrial activities in all areas of the state, in which various industry groups are interested to invest. The development of a quality road network in various areas of the state will make transportation easier. Along with this, industrial activities and investment will also give impetus to the overall development of the state.
Ujjain has been the center point, coins are proof of this
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that we have an old technology of coins. Coins have their own scriptures.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav told about the theory of coins that in ancient times, Ujjain was the center of every route.
He said that there is a similarity between the rule of King Bhoj 1000 years ago, Emperor Vikramaditya 2000 years ago and Emperor Ashoka (then Governor of Ujjain) 2250 years ago. The coins had the symbol of the king of Ujjain on one side and the sign of four routes (intersection) on the other side. This is proof that Ujjain was the center point of all the routes.
Role of water, energy, transport and communication is important in the development of a country
Union Minister Gadkari said that by 2047, Indian road infrastructure will outshine American road infrastructure.
We will achieve this goal with the cooperation of the country’s engineers and the general public. Prime Minister Modi is working with the aim of making the country the third-largest economy in the world.
He said that water, power, transport and communication play the most important role in the development of any country. Trade and industry develop only on these 4 factors. Along with this, employment opportunities are also created. It is for this purpose that Prime Minister Shri Modi is giving top priority to infrastructure development.
Along with providing food, the farmer will also become an energy provider
Union Minister Gadkari said that former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and former Union Rural Development Minister Late Sunderlal Patwa ensured easy access to villages through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He said that the cost can be reduced by using alternative fuels in construction works.
Agriculture is the basis of the economy of Madhya Pradesh and the unusable material from the fields can be used as a source of alternative energy.
By working in this direction, the farmer will emerge as an energy provider apart from being the provider of food. He also suggested involving engineering students in DPR preparation.
Many innovations like Lok Kalyan Sarovar along with “Lok Path App”, taking place in the state
Along with the implementation of the “Lok Path App” in the state, special initiatives have also been taken towards the concept of Lok Kalyan Sarovar and shifting of trees instead of cutting trees.
Exhibition of new technologies and machines in road and bridge construction
The two-day seminar aims to bring together experts from the government and private sector to share experiences and innovations in improving the quality of road and bridge construction and developing timely and sustainable infrastructure.
In the exhibition organized on this occasion, new machinery and technologies used in road and bridge construction, the use of IT technology for monitoring projects, and materials related to road and traffic safety have been displayed.
A short film focusing on the development of infrastructure in the state was also screened in the seminar.
Exhibition inaugurated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the exhibition at the venue by cutting the ribbon. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Indian Road Council Chairman K.K. Pipri, Secretary S.K. Nirmal, officials of the Public Works Department, officials of the Indian Road Council, subject experts, and engineers were present.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and Union Minister Gadkari, who attended the seminar, were traditionally welcomed by a troupe of folk dancers.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also spoke with the folk dancers. The guests were welcomed with bouquets, angavastra and mementos.
