IEC 2025: Nitin Gadkari Says Ethanol, Hydrogen Fuel Essential to Tackle Air Pollution
At India Economic Conclave 2025, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the government's comprehensive plan to combat traffic congestion, air pollution, and rising fuel costs in India. Gadkari emphasized the transition from fossil fuels to alternatives like hydrogen, ethanol, and electric vehicles. He also discussed a new policy on vehicle compliance and the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle air pollution effectively.
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.
Q/A is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed What measures is the Indian government taking to promote the use of green hydrogen as an alternative fuel?The Indian government is actively promoting green hydrogen through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production. This initiative includes investing in technology and infrastructure to support the use of hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles, which can offer near-zero tailpipe emissions and high energy density. Nitin Gadkari emphasizes the potential of green hydrogen for sustainable mobility, highlighting its importance for the future.
How is India addressing the issue of crop stubble burning and its impact on air pollution?India is tackling crop stubble burning by initiating over 400 projects aimed at converting agricultural waste, such as parali (rice straw), into biofuels. This not only helps reduce air pollution caused by burning but also provides an alternative fuel source. With 60 of these projects already completed, the government aims to significantly mitigate pollution while enhancing energy self-reliance through sustainable practices.
What are the expected benefits of transitioning to electric and alternative fuel vehicles in public transport?Transitioning to electric and alternative fuel vehicles in public transport is expected to significantly reduce air pollution and lower operational costs. Electric buses, for instance, can save operators substantial amounts annually compared to diesel buses. Moreover, such transitions align with the government's sustainability goals and are crucial for improving urban air quality and promoting a greener transportation ecosystem.
What advancements in battery technology are expected to impact the electric vehicle market in India?Advancements in lithium-ion battery technology are leading to decreasing costs, which is crucial for the electric vehicle market. Currently priced at approximately $110 per kWh, the target is to bring it below $100 per kWh. Achieving this will make electric vehicles economically comparable to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, promoting wider adoption and supporting India's transition to sustainable mobility.
What role does the government envision for flex-fuel vehicles in India's transportation strategy?The Indian government sees flex-fuel vehicles as a key component in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. These vehicles can operate on a blend of petrol and ethanol, which can significantly lower fossil fuel imports and emissions. The push for flex-fuel technology is part of a broader initiative to enhance energy security and promote sustainable transportation solutions across the country.
Delhi NCR To See Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore Infra Push
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.
Shift To Alternative Fuels Already Underway
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.
New Policy On Vehicle Challans In The Works
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.
E20 Fuel Policy & Older Vehicles
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.
Air Pollution: A Multi-Department Challenge
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.
Hybrids, Flex-Fuel And The Road Ahead
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.
Hydrogen As The Fuel Of The Future
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.
