Nitin Gadkari Orders QR Codes on Highways for Transparency; IRF Welcomes the Move

In a major step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in infrastructure development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed officials to install QR codes on highway projects across the country. These QR-coded hoardings will display details of the project contractor, consultant, and government officials responsible for each stretch of road.

The move aims to allow citizens to scan the QR codes and instantly access real-time information about the ongoing work including project status, key contact persons, and progress updates. Gadkari emphasized that such a system would help ensure clear ownership and accountability, remarking humorously, “Why should I alone be blamed for poor-quality roads?”
The initiative also includes a directive for contractors and implementing agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to regularly upload video updates of ongoing construction on YouTube channels. This step, according to Gadkari, will not only promote transparency but also strengthen public trust in government-led infrastructure projects.

Welcoming the move, the International Road Federation (IRF) described the initiative as a “bold and forward-looking measure” to improve governance in the highway sector. K.K. Kapila, President Emeritus of IRF, said that QR codes will help citizens and authorities track progress, verify quality, and identify responsible parties for each project. The IRF also appreciated the ministry’s efforts, led by Secretary Uma Shankar, to ensure effective implementation across all national highway projects.
India has constructed over 60,000 km of highways since 2014, yet concerns over project delays, poor maintenance, and accountability remain. Experts believe this technology-driven measure could become a game changer in monitoring and ensuring quality across the country’s expanding road network.

Implementation guidelines for the QR code system are expected soon, with pilot installations likely to begin on select national highway stretches. If executed effectively, the initiative could become a model for transparent infrastructure governance and inspire similar practices in other sectors.