IEC 2025: Nitin Gadkari Says Ethanol, Hydrogen Fuel Essential to Tackle Air Pollution

At the India Economic Conclave 2025 organised by Times Network, Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari, outlined the government’s multi-pronged strategy to address rising traffic density, air pollution and fuel costs, while pushing India towards alternative and sustainable mobility solutions.

Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Gadkari said traffic density in India’s major cities has reached critical levels, with Delhi facing problems similar to other global metros in terms of congestion and air quality. To address this, the government is planning an infrastructure expenditure of Rs 1.5 lakh crore exclusively for the Delhi NCR region. The focus, he said, will be on improving road capacity, traffic flow and long-term sustainability.

The minister reiterated that reducing dependence on conventional fossil fuels is a priority. Hydrogen, he said, is already being tested on Indian roads. Four months ago, he flagged off three Tata green hydrogen trucks as part of pilot projects. Alongside hydrogen, electric trucks are also expected to bring down logistics costs.

Gadkari listed ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, LNG, electric and hydrogen as key fuels that will help lower fuel costs, boost economic activity and support India’s energy transition. According to him, this shift is essential to meet the country’s economic and environmental goals.

In a move aimed at improving compliance, Gadkari revealed that the government is planning a new policy under which vehicles can only be sold once all pending challans are cleared on the Vahan portal. The measure is intended to bring greater accountability and discipline into the system.

Addressing concerns around E20 fuel and its impact on older vehicles, Gadkari said ethanol blending is not a new concept. Brazil, he pointed out, has been using ethanol since 1949 and currently runs a 27 percent blend. Initial concerns were related to metal components, but studies showed machinery was not affected.

In India, ARAI conducted testing over two years and found that only certain washers needed replacement, components that are routinely changed during servicing. Gadkari added that nearly 40 percent of Delhi’s pollution is vehicular, and ethanol blending can play a role in reducing emissions.

He also highlighted the economic impact of ethanol production, noting that ethanol made from corn has resulted in farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar receiving over Rs 45,000 crore. Reducing fuel imports and increasing the use of biofuels, he said, is a step towards energy self-reliance.

On hazardous air pollution, Gadkari said fossil fuels account for around 40 percent of the problem, which can be addressed through alternative fuels. He added that the government has mandated pre-cast technology in road construction and suggested similar methods for buildings.

Dust management, he said, is another critical area. Agencies responsible for roads must deploy proper equipment to clean accumulated dust and either green or lay concrete on the exposed areas. On stubble burning, Gadkari said efforts are underway to convert stubble into useful products. He stressed that all concerned departments need to work together to resolve this complex issue on priority.

When asked about hybrid vehicles, Gadkari said he arrived at the conclave in a flex-fuel hybrid car. Once regulatory norms are cleared, such vehicles will be rolled out more widely. He added that stubble can be used to make ethanol and even CNG, reinforcing the idea of converting waste into wealth.

Gadkari described hydrogen as the fuel of the future, revealing that he uses a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai as part of pilot testing. He explained the four types of hydrogen - black (from coal), brown (a petroleum byproduct), and green hydrogen made from water and agro or bio waste. His stated vision is to bring the cost of green hydrogen down to one dollar per kilogram.

Hydrogen-powered buses and trucks are already under trial, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to this fuel.

Clarifying his personal use of vehicles, Gadkari said he does not own any cars, and all vehicles he uses are part of pilot projects. He concluded by urging citizens to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles and adopt sustainable and renewable mobility solutions instead.