‘Main Kyu Gaali Khaun’: Nitin Gadkari’s QR Code Plan Puts Highway Officials in the Spotlight

New Delhi: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and highway developers to launch dedicated YouTube

channels showcasing regular video updates of highway projects at different stages of construction.Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also announced that hoardings with QR codes will be installed along national highways, allowing commuters to scan them and access detailed information about the project — including the names and contact details of the contractor, consultant and government officials responsible for that stretch.“Main kyu gaali khaun? The QR code will have information of the contractor, consultant, and officers who cleared the road. If a road is bad and people are complaining about it on social media, take it seriously. From A to Z in road construction, we need ownership, sincerity, and a positive approach. Roads must be good, and they must stay good," Gadkari said. He stressed that motorists paying tolls are entitled to roads of international standards. “Neither weather nor poor-quality bitumen can be used as excuse. If the road surface isn’t smooth, it must be repaired - costs may rise, but comfort is non-negotiable,” Gadkari said.

Big Win!@nitin_gadkari ji is implementing my QR scan idea!On July 12, I posted: If ₹5 biscuit has all details, why not 100 Cr road?I demanded QR codes for roads. After months of efforts, it’s finally happening!This is just the start of Accountability & Transparency! pic.twitter.com/aIBUV5GFx1

— Anuradha Tiwari (@talk2anuradha) October 28, 2025

The minister also called for performance audits to pinpoint flaws in design and maintenance, ensure accountability and recognise exemplary work. “When audits are regular, transparency increases and excuses decrease. That’s how we should work,” he said.At the same event, Road Transport Secretary V Umashankar on Tuesday directed the NHAI to upload project videos for public access and feedback. Speaking at a CII event, he said, “We often get information and updates about projects and problems from videos uploaded by independent YouTubers. Some comments also give insight into issues. We are working to make video uploading part of project contract documents.”Officials noted that builders already provide drone-shot videos during construction, so making them publicly available won’t pose a challenge. The initiative is intended to boost transparency, accountability and public engagement in highway development.