Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a nationwide QR code system for all major highway projects during the CII National Conference on “Future of Smart Roads – Safety, Sustainability and Resilience” in New Delhi on October 28, enabling citizens to instantly access full details of contractors, engineers, costs, timelines, and funding by scanning boards at construction sites. The initiative targets over 1.5 lakh kilometers of national highways under the Bharatmala and Sagarmala programs.

Frustrated with taking sole blame for potholes and delays despite record-breaking construction rates, Gadkari declared, "Sirf main hi kyun gaali khaoon? Pura mere gale pr kyu latak jata hai?" insisting that project boards display photos and contact numbers of everyone involved, from secretaries to consultants, so the public knows exactly who to hold accountable. He revealed the idea emerged after repeated social media trolling over poor road conditions in various states.

The QR codes will reveal project IDs, sanctioned budgets, completion deadlines, supervising agencies, progress updates, and maintenance records, aiming to deter shoddy work through direct public scrutiny and social media pressure. Gadkari directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to implement the system within three months, starting with all new contracts and retrofitting ongoing projects.

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Gadkari joked that wrongdoers "will get beatings from the people," emphasizing transparency to shift responsibility from politicians to actual executors and improve road quality across India. He cited examples of viral videos showing crumbling expressways within months of inauguration, claiming the QR system would empower citizens to report issues directly to responsible officials.

The minister also announced integration with the Meri Sadak app, where scanned data will auto-populate complaints with tagged officials. Industry leaders at the conference praised the move as revolutionary, while opposition parties demanded similar transparency for state PWD projects. NHAI officials confirmed pilot testing begins next week on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

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