Transforming Mobility: Sustainability Takes The Wheel
In a recent address at the BW Auto World 40 Under 40 Summit & Awards, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, articulated a compelling vision for India's future, encapsulating the essence of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Emphasising the pivotal role of exports and the imperative to curtail imports, Gadkari delineated a roadmap aimed at bolstering India's economy. However, beyond economic resilience, Gadkari underscored a holistic approach, identifying ethics, economy, ecology, and environment as the cornerstones of a sustainable society.
He said that just three months ago, India has surpassed Japan to become the country with the highest number of automobiles. “Our dream is to make the Indian automobile industry the number one in the world. All reputed automobile brands in the world are present in the country,” said the minister.
Gadkari also pointed out that when he took charge as the minister, the size of the industry was Rs 7.5 lakh crore, but now the size of the industry is Rs 12.5 lakh crore.
Delhi-Jaipur Highway
Central to Gadkari's discourse was the ambitious project of an electric cable highway between Delhi and Jaipur, poised to revolutionise intercity travel. Envisioned as a conduit for progress, this highway promises to reduce the travel time to a mere two hours, heralding a new era of connectivity and efficiency.
He said, “We will run three buses with the electric cable and these buses will have similar facilities that one gets in an airplane like food, air hostess and everything. Similarly, the cost of Delhi to Jaipur will be 30 per cent less than the cost of diesel engines.”
Ropeway Cable Funicular and Sky Buses
Gadkari's strategic initiatives extend beyond the realm of transportation, encompassing innovative solutions such as ropeway cable funiculars and Sky buses. By diversifying transportation modalities and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, he seeks to alleviate congestion in urban centres and enhance mobility, thereby enhancing the quality of life for millions of citizens.
Gadkari said the government is going to start ten projects on ropeway cable funicular. Also, the government is planning for Sky bus and has already received 200 projects for ropeway cable car funicular railway.
“The idea is that we can take 200 or 250 people from one point to another in a double-decker bus. This will be a mass rapid transport system based on electricity, which is going to resolve the traffic jam problem in the cities like Bengaluru,” he added.
The integration of electric trolley buses within this infrastructure represents Gadkari's commitment to innovation and sustainability, with an eye toward reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener future.
Knowledge-driven Entrepreneurship
Furthermore, Gadkari delineated a multifaceted strategy to propel India's automotive industry to the forefront of global innovation. Extolling the transformative potential of startups and the ethos of knowledge-driven entrepreneurship, he explained the convergence of technological prowess and environmental stewardship.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, quoted, “The young talented engineers who have just passed out from IIT are doing an excellent job. We are working already on lithium-ion batteries, at the same time aluminium ion, iron ion, zinc ion and sodium ion research is going on.”
Gadkari mentioned that when the discussions on electric vehicles started, the lithium-ion batteries used to cost US$ 150 per kilowatt per hour. But now the cost is coming down to US$ 115 per kilowatt per hour. He assured that within one year, it is going to come down to US$ 100, then the price of petrol vehicle, diesel vehicle and electric vehicle will be the same.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Emphasising the imperative of waste utilisation and circular economy principles, Gadkari outlined initiatives aimed at recycling automotive components, thereby enhancing competitiveness while minimising environmental footprint.
The minister's vision transcends conventional paradigms, encompassing diverse initiatives ranging from ethanol blending programmes to the utilisation of alternative fuels such as methanol. By harnessing indigenous resources and fostering technological innovation, Gadkari aims to catalyse a paradigm shift in India's energy landscape, augmenting energy security while mitigating environmental degradation. His
emphasis on the potential of biofuels and hydrogen underscores a commitment to sustainable development, encapsulating the ethos of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The minister also suggested adding methanol in trucks, since the rate of methanol is Rs 22 per litre whereas one litre of diesel costs approximately Rs 100 per litre (depending on the state).
Gadkari also pointed out the challenges faced in the transportation of hydrogen and how they are trying to make hydrogen cost-effective, stating, “We can make hydrogen from water and biomass. But the problem is that by electrolysis process, the cost is at least US$ 5 per kg. We have a lot of technology by which we can get hydrogen with US$ 1 per kg. We need to develop the storage system, transport system and particularly distribution centres for hydrogen.”
However, Gadkari's vision is not without challenges. As he acknowledges, the transition to electric and alternative fuels necessitates concerted efforts in research, infrastructure development, and policy formulation. Yet, buoyed by India's rich reservoir of talent and resources, Gadkari exudes confidence in the nation's capacity to deal with these obstacles and emerge as a global leader in sustainable transportation.
In conclusion, Gadkari's visionary approach exemplifies the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, blending economic pragmatism with ecological consciousness. As India embarks on a transformative journey towards energy independence and environmental sustainability, Gadkari's stewardship serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter, greener future.
