October 30, 2025

NEW DELHI: Social media is often seen as a hotspot for fake news and exaggeration. But guess what? It also holds loads of real, original facts that can help governments. The Road Transport Ministry decided to tap into this power in a fun new way! They have told the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and highway builders to create their own YouTube channels. They must upload fresh videos regularly showing how their projects are going. On Tuesday, Road Transport Secretary V Umashankar revealed this at a CII event. He said, “There have been instances when we get a lot of information and updates about projects and the problems being faced from videos uploaded by independent YouTubers. Some comments also give insight into issues...We are working on to make the uploading of videos as a part of project contract document.” This means videos will become a must-have part of building roads! Officials shared a cool fact: builders already shoot videos using drones while making highways. Sharing them online won’t be a big deal. The main goal? To get public involved and hold authorities responsible like never before. Taking the excitement higher, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari spoke at the event too. He said he ordered hoardings with QR codes to be put up. Commuters can scan these to find the names, addresses, and phone numbers of contractors and officials in charge. This is a mega step to keep things transparent. Gadkari made it clear: “If people are paying toll, they deserve international-quality roads. Weather or poor bitumen cannot be excuses. If the surface is not comfortable, fix it — cost may increase but comfort is non-negotiable.” He also warned officials that social media complaints about bad roads must be taken seriously. He stressed, “From A to Z in road construction, we need ownership, sincerity, and a positive approach. Roads must be good, and they must stay good. Signboards should be put up clearly stating who is responsible.” To keep builders on their toes, Gadkari plans to make performance audits common. These will spot design or maintenance problems early, boosting honesty and rewarding quality work. “When audits are regular, transparency increases, and excuses decrease. That’s how we should work,” he added. In short, India’s road construction is stepping up its game with YouTube videos, QR codes, and stricter accountability. Soon, your road complaints might just get fixed faster, all thanks to this digital drive!

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Tags: Nhai, Youtube, Road projects, Social media, Nitin gadkari, Public feedback,