Bhubaneswar, October 23: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will grace the 84th annual session of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) to be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from November 7 to 10, said Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.

Over 2,000 delegates from across the country including engineers, technical experts, policymakers and industry professionals will to attend the annual event being held in Odisha for sixth time after 1954, 1982, 1994, 2005 and 2015, said Harichandan.

The session will provide a solid platform for knowledge sharing, networking and discussion on key issues related to road infrastructure development across the country. Eighteen committees have been formed for the smooth management and conduct of the event.

The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) has booked nearly 900 rooms in various hotels in Bhubaneswar for the delegates coming from outside the State. Similarly, 150 rooms have been booked in hotels located near the venue for VVIPs, dignitaries and IRC officials, said Harichandan.

"Eminent academicians, professors, and scholars from premier technical institutions such as IIT Bhubaneswar and NIT Rourkela have been requested to submit articles for the souvenir on topics like current initiatives in the road sector, success stories of road projects, innovative ideas adopted for user benefits, improvements in road safety, and experiences in the use of IRC codes," said Minister Harichandan.

The annual conference of IRC will feature a technical exhibition showcasing the latest developments in road infrastructure and technology and scientific approach. It will also display innovative solutions, products and services related to road construction, maintenance and safety.