Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has revealed that the government plans to turn India into a greener and safer country which he plans to achieve by “No Diesel only Petrol Cars in India” regulations. Gadkari aims to reduce the country’s reliance on fuel imports, redirecting funds towards rural development and employment opportunities.
Gadkari expressed confidence in his vision and stressed the need to investigate alternate fuels, such as biofuels, to propel the energy sector's growth. His suggestions have already been presented to the Finance Ministry for review, and he has suggested lowering the GST on flex engines and hybrid cars to encourage their adoption.
Gadkari highlighted the development of motorbikes and autorickshaws with flex engines, as well as the efforts of top automakers like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero, to emphasize the change towards environmentally friendly transportation. He also pointed to developments in electric and hydrogen-powered cars, which signal a dramatic shift in the auto sector.
In an interview with the news agency, Gadkari stated that he has pledged to eliminate the nation's 36 crore gasoline and diesel cars as well as to lower the GST on hybrid vehicles.
Gadkari responded with 100% surity when asked if India could completely do away with gasoline and diesel vehicles. "It's challenging, but not insurmountable. This is my vision”, he added.
Gadkari hasn’t proposed any such timelines on the same but even supporters of green energy feel this ambitious goal is extremely impossible to achieve. Although they praised Gadkari's plan to increase green mobility, environmental activists warned about the use of fossil fuels in the electricity generation process.
"It needs to be changed because India still mostly relies on a fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure to power electric cars. To address the climate issue, it is imperative to provide 100% renewable energy in addition to electric vehicles”, according to Greenpeace India campaigner Avinash Chanchal.
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