India aims to eliminate petrol, diesel vehicles on the road by 2034, Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently declared the government’s ambitious goal to eliminate diesel and petrol vehicles within the next decade.
“I want to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles from our country within 10 years. With the emergence of electric scooters, cars, and buses, the dynamics are changing. While diesel costs Rs 100 per unit, their electric counterparts consume electricity worth only Rs 4,” he stated during a public rally held in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
India has been witnessing a steady surge in the adoption of electric vehicles. The government’s Vahan portal, which tracks vehicle-related data nationwide, indicates a consistent uptick in electric vehicle sales from April 2023 to April 2024.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s hydro-power potential, Gadkari emphasized the opportunity to enhance transportation infrastructure in the state.
“I proposed to Jai Ram Thakur that if electricity is provided at Rs 3, we will undertake the construction of all ropeways. We are open to engaging private players under the PPP model for building ropeways and cable cars amounting to Rs 20,000 crores,” he added.
Gadkari expressed his satisfaction with the approval of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway, inaugurated in March this year, which will serve around 40 thousand devotees, offering enhanced accessibility to the Bijli Mahadev temple.
The 2.8-kilometer Bijli Mahadev ropeway project, set to be completed by July 2026, holds an estimated cost of over Rs 270 crore. It follows a design, build, operate, and transfer (hybrid-annuity) model, promising year-round connectivity for up to 36,000 pilgrims daily.
Reaffirming the BJP’s commitments, Gadkari stated, “Over the past decade, we have not only made promises but have also delivered on various fronts. Our aim is to propel India into a 5 trillion-dollar economy.”
Addressing a rally in Mandi in support of BJP Lok Sabha candidate and actress Kangana Ranaut, Gadkari’s remarks come ahead of the June 1st elections in Himachal Pradesh, with results slated for June 4, 2024.
