In a significant move towards a cleaner and more sustainable automotive industry, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has called upon automobile manufacturers to veer away from diesel vehicle production. Speaking at the 63rd annual SIAM convention, Gadkari emphasized the need to transition to cleaner fuels, citing diesel as a hazardous option.
Gadkari highlighted the potential consequences for the industry, hinting at a possible 10% GST imposed as a pollution tax on diesel vehicles and gensets if manufacturers fail to shift away from diesel. It’s crucial to note that as of now, there is no active proposal by the government for such taxation.
Gadkari’s motivation for this shift is evident in his commitment to achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2070 and reducing air pollution levels attributed to hazardous fuels, such as diesel. He stressed the importance of actively adopting cleaner and greener alternative fuels that are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective and indigenous.
He provided examples of how buses can now operate on alternative fuels like petrol, LNG, and biofuels. This showcases the potential for the industry to move away from diesel. Gadkari questioned why the automotive sector couldn’t fully embrace these cleaner alternatives and phase out diesel completely.
It’s worth noting that if Gadkari’s proposal were to be implemented, it would not only affect commercial vehicles but also have a substantial impact on passenger vehicles. As the automotive industry faces this call for change, it is a pivotal moment for manufacturers to explore cleaner and more sustainable options, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
