India to lead global electric mobility in five years: Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, addressed the Network18 Green Bharat Summit in New Delhi, where he outlined ambitious goals for India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. During his speech, Gadkari emphasized that the Indian automobile sector has grown significantly, now valued at ₹22 lakh crore, and he confidently projected that India will become the largest automotive market globally within five years, driven largely by electric vehicles. He stated, “In the next five years, we will not just compete; we will lead the world in electric mobility.”

Gadkari also highlighted the need for increased manufacturing capacity to meet the surging demand for EVs, urging manufacturers to ramp up production by tenfold. He noted that while India plans to invest ₹75 lakh crore in road infrastructure, the focus must also be on sustainable development and innovative uses of waste materials in construction. “We must create value from waste through technology,” he asserted, showcasing India’s commitment to ecological considerations in its growth strategy. The minister concluded with a call to action for young engineers and startups, stating that their contributions are pivotal in realising these ambitious goals.

Gadkari also shared a holistic vision for India’s infrastructure development, emphasizing sectors like water, railways, roads, and aviation. He stressed the importance of young engineers and startups in driving innovation across the EV industry and beyond. By fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement, India can meet domestic demands while emerging as a global EV market leader. Committed to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), Gadkari expressed confidence that this strategy would ensure sustainable economic growth while tackling environmental challenges.