RAHSTA Awards 2026: 24 Companies Honoured for Excellence in Road Infrastructure, Innovation and Highway Development

Key Highlights

• 24 companies and organisations honoured at RAHSTA Awards 2026

• Awards presented during the 16th RAHSTA Expo in Mumbai

• Ajay Tamta stressed region-specific technology for highway projects

• MoRTH highlighted the strict approval process for new technologies

• Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee received the Special Recognition Award

The RAHSTA Awards 2026 celebrated excellence in India's road infrastructure sector by recognising 24 companies and organisations for their outstanding contributions to road construction, infrastructure development, construction equipment, road safety, sustainability, and technology. The awards were presented by Ajay Tamta, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, during the 16th RAHSTA Expo held on July 8, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, infrastructure experts, and leading companies to discuss the future of India's highway and urban infrastructure while showcasing the latest technologies driving the sector forward.

RAHSTA Expo Showcases the Latest Road Construction Technologies

Held alongside the awards ceremony, the 16th RAHSTA Expo featured some of the biggest names in the road construction and infrastructure industry. Companies including Terex, Caterpillar, Tata Hitachi, Dynapac, LiuGong, Alltech, SRMB, Electrotherm, Tata Steel, Jindal Steel, Maccaferri, Monte Carlo, UP Invest, MMRDA, Zydex, and several other exhibitors showcased advanced equipment, construction materials, engineering solutions, and innovative technologies designed to improve India's road infrastructure.

The expo served as a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, and promote sustainable infrastructure development.

Technology Must Match Local Conditions, Says Ajay Tamta

Addressing the gathering, Ajay Tamta highlighted the growing importance of technology in highway development. However, he stressed that every technology cannot be applied universally and must be selected according to regional conditions.

He explained that Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), which are successfully used by MMRDA for underground tunnel construction in Mumbai, are not suitable for fragile and hilly regions. In such areas, controlled blasting remains necessary to minimise environmental impact while ensuring safe construction.

MoRTH Explains Process for Adopting New Highway Technologies

Bidur Kant Jha, Director of New Technology for Highway Development at the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), highlighted how innovation is helping build highways that are safer, stronger, and more efficient.

He explained that the ministry follows a structured evaluation process before adopting any new technology. Every technology must first receive approval from the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and successfully demonstrate its performance through pilot projects before being implemented on a larger scale across the country.

Industry Leaders Highlight Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure

Pratap Padode, Founder of the FIRST Construction Council, said the RAHSTA Awards recognise organisations that have delivered excellence in project execution, innovation, construction technology, engineering, construction materials, sustainability, road safety, and timely project delivery.

He also announced that the next RAHSTA Expo will be held from May 20 to 22, 2027.

Speakers throughout the event emphasised that building safer and smarter roads requires more than financial investment. Strong leadership, engineering expertise, technological innovation, and sustainable planning are equally important for developing world-class infrastructure.

MMRDA Chief Receives Special Recognition Award

One of the most prestigious honours of the evening was the Special Recognition Award, presented to Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee (IAS), Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA.

He was recognised for his leadership in expanding Mumbai's underground tunnel network and promoting sustainable, people-centric infrastructure development.

During his address, Dr. Mukherjee highlighted the need for integrated urban planning and better coordination between roads, metro systems, and bus networks. He also spoke about the growing role of technology in improving civic infrastructure and creating smoother, more efficient urban mobility for citizens.

RAHSTA Awards Reinforce India's Infrastructure Vision

The RAHSTA Awards 2026 highlighted the rapid transformation taking place in India's road and highway sector. By recognising excellence in innovation, technology, sustainability, construction quality, and infrastructure development, the event encouraged industry leaders to continue building safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation networks. With strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, India's road infrastructure is set to benefit from advanced technologies and sustainable engineering practices in the years ahead.

Also Read: Tata Hitachi Wins Best Earthmoving Equipment Award at Rahsta Awards 2026

CMV360 Says

The RAHSTA Awards 2026 celebrated organisations driving innovation, safety, and excellence in India's road infrastructure sector. Along with recognising outstanding achievements, the event highlighted the growing importance of technology, sustainable construction, and efficient project execution. Industry experts and government officials stressed the need for region-specific solutions, strong engineering practices, and collaboration to build safer, smarter, and future-ready highways and urban transport infrastructure across the country.