India and Japan Explore Stronger Ties in Road Infrastructure

India and Japan hold the 12th Joint Working Group meeting on road infrastructure, focusing on advanced construction technologies, sustainable development, tunnel engineering and digital road management.

India and Japan have held discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in road infrastructure, focusing on advanced construction technologies, sustainable development, tunnel and bridge engineering, and digital solutions for road management. The 12th session of the India-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Roads and Road Transportation was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the meeting brought together representatives from both governments, technical institutions and industry stakeholders. The discussions aimed to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, experience and best practices while identifying opportunities for collaboration across the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of road infrastructure.

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A key focus was the adoption of advanced construction methods and innovative engineering solutions to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of transport infrastructure. Participants also discussed tunnel and bridge engineering, sustainable construction practices and the application of new and digital technologies in road management.

Experts from Indian and Japanese technical institutions and industry shared their experiences through technical presentations and interactive question-and-answer sessions. The exchanges provided an opportunity to examine how emerging technologies and sustainable approaches could improve infrastructure development and long-term asset management.

The meeting also adopted a broader inter-ministerial approach, with representatives from the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power participating alongside officials from the road transport sector. Their involvement reflected the importance of coordination across infrastructure-related departments.

The discussions align with India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, which aims to transform the country into a developed nation by the centenary of its Independence. Improving connectivity, strengthening logistics efficiency and expanding access to economic opportunities are among the priorities associated with this vision.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emphasised the development of safe, efficient, sustainable and technology-driven road infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels.

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The latest meeting reaffirms India and Japan’s commitment to technical cooperation in transport infrastructure. However, the official announcement did not specify new construction contracts, funding commitments or individual projects resulting from the discussions.