The government is committed to shift public transport and logistics to 100% green and clean sources of energy, says Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Addressing the Symposium on International Automotive Technology, Nitin Gadkari said, "The national hydrogen mission launched by the Prime Minister seeks to develop hydrogen technologies for the benefit of the mobility sector and make India the leader in production and usage of green hydrogen."

The minister said 70% of green hydrogen production costs come from electricity costs. Hence, surplus electricity from renewable energy sources can completely change the economics of production of green hydrogen production.

He said green hydrogen is termed as the fuel of the future and it is the only fuel which can help us achieve the mission of “Zero Carbon Emissions”.

The Minister said the recently launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to boost ‘Advanced Automotive Technology Products’ in the Indian auto sector which help to lower fossil fuel emissions.

Gadkari said the government expects the scheme would lead to a fresh investment of more than Rs. 42,500 crore and creation of additional 7.5 lakh jobs in the sector.  

He said as far as public transportation is concerned, the need of the hour is to develop import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous mobility solutions for India and dependence on imported crude oil needs to be reduced. 

Gadkari said we are also planning to introduce flex-fuel vehicles which allow operation of the vehicles on 100% ethanol and petrol.

He said Flex engine-based vehicles are already running in the USA, Brazil, and Canada. He said technology is readily available, and it is just a matter of time to take that leap that will transform the transport landscape of India forever.