New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS): Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday stressed upon the need to reduce road construction cost by 25 per cent and called for the usage of new technologies to attain this target.

Specific areas like hilly areas, border areas and coastal areas need different approach and technologies, he said at a meeting, held via conference, to review the 'New Green Highways Policy' (Plantation) and to discuss use of new technologies in road construction.

"He appreciated the use of such technology in road construction in Andaman and Nicobar and motivated the NHIDCL to follow the example in rest of the projects," a Road Transport & Highways Ministry statement quoted him as saying.

As per the statement, Gadkari also suggested that specialised agencies should be hired for plantation of trees along the highways.

"He suggested involving NGOs, self-help groups and Horticulture and Forest Department in this.

"The minister stressed upon using local indigenous material like jute, coir, etc for strengthening purposes. Gadkari also said that right choice of species suiting local conditions is also very important," it said.