Not opposed to petrol & diesel but we need to be more responsible towards environment & citizens: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday that the government's responsibility towards the people of the country and its environment inspires its push for electric vehicles (EVs). "We are not against the use of petrol and diesel," said the minister, while acknowledging the important role the auto sector can play in achieving the government's ambition of making India the world's third-largest economy.

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world today, said Gadkari, speaking at the 64th Annual Convention of the industry body SIAM, organized in the national capital.

"We have set a target of establishing 20,000 CNG stations by 2030," he announced.

"The country's auto industry is estimated to be worth Rs 22 lakh crore... We should try to attain the No. 1 position in the world," the Union Minister said.

Pollution control is the responsibility of the transport department, said the Road Transport and Highways Minister. "By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, we can reduce pollution," he said.

India needs world-class testing agencies, with Bharat NCAP expected to set a new milestone in this area, he said. The star ratings assist consumers in the decision-making process.

"With improvements in roads and vehicles, accidents are unfortunately increasing... This is an area that should be worked upon," he said.

He also urged auto manufacturers to establish vehicle fitness and scrap centers to engage customers in these crucial areas.

"A growing market will automatically boost industry demand," he said.

He also expressed hope that India will become the world's top auto manufacturing hub in the future. "My dream is to make the Indian automobile industry the number one manufacturing hub in the world," he said.

The minister also highlighted that India is the third-largest passenger vehicle maker and the largest two-wheeler market globally.

The domestic electric vehicle market is expected to reach annual sales of one crore units by 2030, creating five crore employment opportunities, Gadkari said.

The cost of lithium-ion batteries is expected to decrease further, thereby promoting affordability and mass adoption, he said.

"I'm confident that we'll be in a position to export lithium-ion batteries to different parts of the world. At the same time, research is ongoing into aluminum, ionic oil, and different types of chemistry. I believe this is a good development and there is a huge market for it," he added.

With inputs from agencies