Odisha delegation attends Chintan Shivir 2026 in Gujarat; visit to Sardar Patel memorial highlights message of national unity and stronger infrastructure cooperation
GTNS | OCTOBER 6, 2026
GUJARAT: Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan visited the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat during the second day of the two-day Chintan Shivir 2026, joining senior officials of the Odisha Works Department in paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The national conclave, organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on October 5 and 6, has brought together Union and State ministers, senior PWD officials, implementing agencies and other stakeholders to discuss the future of highway and infrastructure development. The deliberations cover integrated planning through PM GatiShakti, land acquisition, safe highway design, project quality, monitoring and other implementation challenges.
During the visit, Harichandan described the Statue of Unity as a powerful symbol of India’s unity, territorial integrity and national consciousness. Standing before the monumental statue of Sardar Patel, he recalled Patel’s historic contribution to bringing the country’s princely states and regions together after Independence.
The Odisha Minister said that Patel’s determination, leadership and commitment to national integration continue to provide inspiration for building a stronger and more united India.
The visit also provided a broader setting for the Odisha delegation’s participation in discussions on infrastructure development. The Chintan Shivir is aimed at strengthening coordination between the Centre and States and sharing practical experiences and replicable solutions for faster, safer and higher-quality infrastructure delivery.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, while inaugurating the conclave, stressed the importance of better planning at the Detailed Project Report stage, road safety, quality construction, modern technology, sustainable practices and effective project monitoring. The event is being conducted under the theme “Gatishakti se Pragati.”
For Odisha, participation in the national-level deliberations provides an opportunity to exchange experiences on road construction, highway connectivity, project execution and infrastructure management with other States and central agencies.
The Odisha delegation accompanying the Works Minister included Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Works Department; EIC (Civil) Engineer Satyabrata Behera; Chief Engineer (National Highway-I) Engineer Narayan Patel; Chief Engineer (Roads-I & II) Engineer Shivabrata Taria; and Chief Engineer of OBCC Engineer Ramachandra Sethi, among other officials.
The visit to the Statue of Unity added a national-integration dimension to the Odisha delegation’s participation in the infrastructure-focused conclave. The message emerging from the visit was that development, connectivity and national unity remain closely linked to India’s long-term growth.