In a significant move towards a greener future, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, led a high-level review meeting today at Transport Bhawan with representatives from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The discussion centered around the automobile industry’s readiness to transition to ethanol and flex fuel-powered vehicles, marking a crucial step in India’s journey towards energy independence and environmental sustainability.
The meeting emphasized the industry’s preparations for the upcoming rollout of ethanol-powered vehicles, with manufacturers gearing up to introduce these models in the coming months. Gadkari highlighted the advantages of shifting from traditional fossil fuels to biofuels, citing the potential to enhance India’s self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), significantly cut down on pollution, reduce the country’s fossil fuel import bills, and offer consumers more affordable fuel choices. Moreover, this transition is expected to create a ripple effect, benefiting the agricultural sector by increasing demand for crops used in ethanol production.
Gadkari urged SIAM members to actively promote public acceptance of biofuels, taking inspiration from Brazil’s successful implementation of ethanol and flex fuels in its transport sector. He noted that adopting a similar model in India could accelerate the country’s efforts to establish a sustainable and diversified energy landscape.
The meeting also saw the participation of Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Sh. Harsh Malhotra, and senior officials from the Ministry, who engaged in discussions on policy support and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the industry’s shift towards cleaner fuel alternatives.
