Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has set an ambitious target to position India as the world’s leading automobile sector within five years. Currently ranked third globally, behind China and the United States, India’s automobile market stands at approximately Rs 22 lakh crore, compared to China’s Rs 47 lakh crore and the US at Rs 78 lakh crore.
Speaking at a recent media conclave,’ Gadkari highlighted India’s untapped potential and outlined a roadmap to achieve this goal. “Our mission and dream are to make the Indian automobile industry the largest globally within five years. This sector plays a pivotal role in Atmanirbhar Bharat, being the top exporter, the highest contributor to GST revenues, and a massive employment generator with 4.5 crore jobs,” he said.
Gadkari underscored the importance of alternative energy sources, such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, bio-LNG, electric vehicles, and hydrogen, to fuel the industry’s growth while addressing environmental concerns.
“India imports fossil fuels worth Rs 22 lakh crore annually, which significantly contributes to pollution. To tackle this, we must focus on alternative energy for the transport sector. Pollution cannot be mitigated without reducing fossil fuel imports,” he added.
The minister proposed leveraging surplus food grains to produce biofuels, calling them cost-effective, indigenous, and pollution-free. He emphasized that alternative fuels could revolutionize the agriculture sector, enhance rural and tribal economies, and boost farmers’ income.
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“Biofuels are not only an import substitute but also a game-changer for sustainable development,” Gadkari stated. Notably, he personally advocates for green mobility, driving a hydrogen-powered car himself.
The minister reiterated that the future of India’s automobile industry depends on adopting cleaner, greener energy solutions to combat air pollution and ensure sustainable economic growth.