Time to start using alternative fuels like electricity, hydrogen for automobile sector: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has pitched for the use of alternative fuels for vehicles to reduce the import of crude oil as well as cut down on pollution.

As much as 35 per cent of the pollution in the country is due to diesel and petrol, Gadkari said, adding, "this is why we need import-substituting, cost-effective and pollution-free and indigenous products".

At the launch of the country's first electric double decker air-conditioned bus last week, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways said that electric automobiles are greatly cost effective when compared to diesel ones.

"In the Indian situation, import of crude oil is a big challenge. We are already experiencing the way rates are increased. It is also very difficult for the common man...," he said.

According to him, it is time to start using alternative fuels like electricity, ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, bio-CNG, bio-LNG and hydrogen for the automobile sector.

Further, he said the current size of the Indian automobile industry stands Rs 7.5 lakh crore and it has maximum employment potential besides giving maximum taxes to central and state governments.

"My dream is to make this industry Rs 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024, and this is possible," he said.