Gadkari Urges Multi-Fuel Strategy For Green Transport Transition

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari opened the two-day Green Transport Conclave in the national Capital, saying the transport sector is a major contributor to carbon emissions and requires urgent coordinated action for sustainable mobility. He highlighted that India currently imports nearly 87 per cent of its energy requirements and urged energy self-reliance. He argued that no single technology, such as electric vehicles, hydrogen or flex-fuel, can meet the country's growing energy demand and therefore called for a balanced multi-fuel strategy.

The conclave was organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy, with support from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and brought together officials and stakeholders from road transport, aviation, railways and marine sectors. Manoj Kumar Singh, CEO of the UP State Transformation Commission, attended as the Guest of Honour at the inaugural session and said India's transport strategy is evolving beyond electrification towards a multi-fuel and multi-modal ecosystem. The forum highlighted the integration of electric vehicles, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuels and green logistics as complementary elements of a resilient mobility framework.

Delegates discussed enabling policy frameworks at central and state levels to support low-carbon transport, and explored measures to advance sustainable urban mobility through electric vehicles and biofuels. The discussions also addressed decarbonisation of long-haul, intercity and rural transport across road, rail and aviation sectors as well as promoting efficient freight movement via road, maritime and rail networks. Participants emphasised the role of advanced technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence and system integration, together with fuel dispensing infrastructure, in modernising the transport ecosystem.

A notable outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CSIR Central Road Research Institute and the Indian Federation of Green Energy to foster joint research on sustainable transport. The conclave was supported by media partners and provided a platform for officials and industry to align road transport with logistics corridors and clean energy infrastructure. Organisers indicated the deliberations aim to inform policy and catalyse industry action for a future-ready mobility framework.

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