At the 'Nirman Bharat Summit' hosted by Aaj Tak, Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport, shared insights on the increased focus on green fuel and highway networks to bolster the country's self-reliance. He portrayed hydrogen as the fuel of the future, asserting that green fuels can significantly mitigate pollution. Clearing misconceptions around ethanol, Gadkari confidently stated that ethanol doesn't decrease a vehicle’s mileage.
'Hydrogen is the Future Fuel'
Nitin Gadkari expressed that hydrogen is indeed the future of fuel. He further elaborated that green fuel is crucial for protecting the country from pollution. Following the reduction in GST, he emphasized the resultant surge in new job opportunities. The mission is to advance towards a self-reliant India. Gadkari shared that ongoing works worth 1 lakh crore rupees in Delhi are aimed at traffic decongestion and pollution reduction, and persistent efforts in these directions are underway.
Addressing the myths and misinformation surrounding ethanol, Gadkari reassured that it doesn't reduce vehicular efficiency. He stressed the importance of rectifying shortcomings and acknowledged that people are becoming more aware of the realities. Alongside employment creation and development, pollution reduction remains a top government priority.
'Technological Evolution is Essential Over Time'
Emphasizing that ethanol doesn’t curb vehicle efficiency, Gadkari advocated for necessary technological advancements over time. He noted that the work on the highways from Chennai to Mumbai is accelerating, and operations across 36 tunnels from Srinagar to Jammu are active. Gadkari highlighted continuous efforts to improve traffic conditions and resolve Delhi's pollution issues.
He insisted that the highway development projects are progressing swiftly with no shortage of funds. A vigorous pace defines the advancement of the Green Express Highways network nationwide. Gadkari noted the rapid progress in development and ensured that the government is advancing while resolving every obstacle encountered.
How Will the Target of Constructing 100 km of Highway Daily Be Achieved?
Responding to queries about the daily construction target of 100 km highways, Gadkari acknowledged its difficulty but deemed it achievable. He explained that such ambitious targets are set to challenge and overcome. Gadkari clarified that there's no monetary constraint nor shortage of resources with the government. Expeditious acceleration is needed in processes like land acquisition, forest and environmental clearances, and tenders.
He communicated that a budget of 2.85 lakh crore rupees is at disposal, with scope to raise 5 lakh crore rupees from the market. With approved works up to 15-20 lakh crore rupees, the government is fully capable of accomplishing them. Gadkari reported that work worth 3.5 lakh crore rupees has already been sanctioned. He is confident that teamwork and accelerated efforts can ensure the target is achieved.
