Nitin Gadkari Outlines Roadmap To Sustainable Mobility At IEC 2024

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, speaking at the India Economic Conclave (IEC) 2024, outlined a transformative vision for sustainable mobility in India. His speech highlighted measures to reduce oil imports, lower air pollution and strengthen the nation’s self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Addressing the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels, Gadkari emphasized the importance of transitioning to alternative energy sources. He revealed the plans to promote the use of ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, CNG, biodiesel and green hydrogen. He stated that significant strides are being made through projects that convert agricultural waste, such as parali (stubble), into biofuels. Gadkari announced that over 400 projects are underway to address the parali issue, aiming to achieve significant progress in the next two years. Potential of flex-fuel vehicles, such as the Toyota Innova Hycross E100, designed to run on pure ethanol, were also highlighted as a key element of this transition.

The Minister underlined the government's focus on electrification in mobility. He emphasized that electric vehicles, including passenger vehicles, buses, tractors and trucks, are the way forward, citing lower operating costs and reduced tailpipe emissions as key advantages. He also highlighted that with advancements in battery technology, the cost of electric vehicles is expected to reach parity with petrol and diesel vehicles once battery prices drop below $100 per kWh.

At the event he also addressed the issue of air pollution, particularly in urban areas. He revealed that the government has invested about Rs 65,000 crore to address traffic congestion and pollution in Delhi. The development of 36 green highways is a major component of this strategy, aimed at improving connectivity while reducing environmental impact. Key infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, are set to significantly reduce travel times and improve logistics efficiency.

Gadkari also highlighted the need for comfortable and efficient public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Innovative solutions, such as micro-mobility buses, electric ropeways in addition to advanced bus systems are being considered to enhance urban mobility.

The Minister concluded by reiterating his vision for India to emerge as a global leader in sustainable mobility within the next five years. By focusing on alternative fuels, electrification, and improved infrastructure, the government aims to build a transportation system that is economically efficient, environmentally sustainable and aligns with the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.