Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set forth an ambitious plan to transition India towards a greener economy by eliminating petrol and diesel vehicles entirely. Gadkari, who serves as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, expressed his determination to achieve this goal, emphasizing its importance for India’s future sustainability.
Ambitious Goals
Gadkari’s vision aims to address both environmental concerns and economic benefits. He highlighted that India currently spends a staggering Rs 16 lakh crore on fuel imports, envisioning a future where this expenditure could be redirected towards improving the lives of farmers, fostering rural prosperity, and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
While acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead, Gadkari remains steadfast in his belief that it is achievable. He did not provide a specific timeline for this ambitious endeavor, but he is resolute in his determination to see it through.
Policy Initiatives
As part of his strategy to promote green mobility, Gadkari has proposed reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on hybrid vehicles to five percent. Additionally, he advocates for a 12 percent GST on flex engines, a move aimed at encouraging the adoption of alternative fuel technologies.
These proposals have been forwarded to the Finance Ministry for consideration, reflecting Gadkari’s proactive approach towards implementing policy changes to support his vision.
Embracing Alternative Fuels
Gadkari firmly believes that India can achieve fuel independence by embracing alternative fuels, particularly biofuels. He sees biofuels as a viable solution to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, thus enhancing energy security and promoting sustainability.
However, environmental activists caution that a transition to electric vehicles must be accompanied by a shift towards renewable energy sources to address the climate crisis effectively.
Optimism for the Future
Despite the challenges, Gadkari remains optimistic about India’s transition to greener mobility. He cites the increasing adoption of electric vehicles by automakers and the emergence of innovative technologies such as hydrogen-powered vehicles as promising signs of progress.
Gadkari envisions a future where hydrogen-powered cars, electric motorcycles with flex engines, and bio-CNG trucks become commonplace across the country. He believes that this revolution in transportation will not only end fuel imports but also propel India towards self-reliance, aligning with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
In conclusion, Nitin Gadkari’s ambitious plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles demonstrate India’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the transportation sector.
