At a recent conference hosted by IIT-Delhi, experts underscored the critical need for integrating urban and transport planners into highway projects, particularly those situated in urban environments. The discussion highlighted significant gaps in the current approach to developing detailed project reports (DPRs) for these projects. Virendra Kumar Paul, a prominent figure at the conference, expressed concerns regarding the capability of highway engineers to thoroughly evaluate DPRs, which are essential for the successful execution of infrastructure projects. The conference brought together leading minds from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), who collectively proposed innovative solutions to address these challenges. They suggested initiating pilot projects aimed at assessing and refining DPRs to ensure they meet the complex demands of urban settings. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the quality and safety of highway infrastructure. Furthermore, IIT-Delhi and SPA recommended the establishment of a Centre of Excellence dedicated to crash investigation. This center would serve as a hub for research and development, focusing on improving road safety standards and reducing accident rates on highways. By leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies, the center aims to provide valuable insights into crash dynamics and prevention strategies. The collaboration between academic institutions and government bodies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to foster a more holistic approach to infrastructure planning. By incorporating expertise from various fields, these efforts aim to create more sustainable and efficient transportation networks that cater to the growing needs of urban populations.