Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has set forth an ambitious goal to phase out over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles in India, coupled with a plan to reduce GST on hybrid vehicles.
In an interview with PTI, Gadkari emphasized the feasibility of this vision, despite acknowledging its difficulty. He pointed out that India's hefty expenditure of Rs 16 lakh crore on fuel imports could instead be utilized to uplift farmers' livelihoods, bolster village prosperity, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Although Gadkari refrained from specifying a precise timeline for achieving this transformative objective, he revealed that a proposal to decrease GST on hybrid vehicles to 5% and on flex engines to 12% has been submitted to the Finance Ministry for deliberation.
Having advocated for alternative fuels since 2004, Gadkari expressed confidence in witnessing substantial changes in the automotive industry over the next 5-7 years. He cited the growing prevalence of electric vehicles and the shift towards alternative and biofuels as promising signs of progress.
Gadkari shared examples of companies like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero gearing up to manufacture motorcycles with flex engines, alongside the emergence of auto rickshaws equipped with similar technology.
Furthermore, he highlighted advancements in vehicle technology, such as the introduction of hydrogen-powered cars by Tata and Ashok Leyland, as well as trucks operating on LNG/CNG.
Asserting his belief in a forthcoming revolution, Gadkari envisioned an end to fuel imports, leading to self-reliance and the realization of "Atmanirbhar Bharat."
In summary, Gadkari's remarks underscore a strategic roadmap towards reducing dependence on conventional vehicles and promoting the adoption of environmentally sustainable transportation alternatives in India.
