In an interview with ETAuto and ETInfra, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari discussed the Indian economy, the automobile sector, and the government's efforts to improve road safety. He acknowledged the automobile sector's significant contribution to economic growth and emphasised the need for a significant increase in the industry's worth to INR 15 lakh crore.


 Gadkari also highlighted the need to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and promote alternative fuels, such as producing CNG and LNG from crop stubble and developing an ethanol-based economy in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. He also mentioned research in solar, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal power to achieve energy independence and explore the potential of green hydrogen. 


Gadkari also highlighted the government's incentives for clean technologies, such as a lower GST rate on electric cars and higher taxes on vehicles with higher fuel consumption. He also proposed a star rating system to enhance vehicle quality and praised automakers like Mahindra and Tata for equipping their vehicles with six airbags. He also emphasised the need to address shortcomings in road engineering, investing INR 40,000 crore to fix black spots on roads and committing to rectifying faulty road designs in the future. 


In conclusion, Gadkari's interview highlights the government's efforts to foster the growth of the automobile industry, promote clean technologies, and enhance road safety in India. By implementing these measures and encouraging innovation, the government aims to position India as a global leader in manufacturing and promote a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transportation ecosystem.


Content reference: YouTube Channel: ET Auto, “Nitin Gadkari charts the course to make auto industry engine of economic growth”.


With Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India

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