Union Minister for Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal Private Limited (DICT) in Panchi Gujran village on the GT Road near Ganaur in Sonipat.
India Moving Toward Clean and Self-Reliant Fuel Production
Speaking at the event, Gadkari said India is on track to become the world’s leading producer of aviation fuel. He urged farmers to stop burning stubble and instead use it to produce biofuels, which would strengthen rural incomes and reduce pollution.
He highlighted that around five million tons of stubble are already being used to produce bio-bitumen, which is now being used to construct roads in Nagpur and Jabalpur. “Farmers will now become fuel providers,” he said, emphasizing the economic potential of agricultural waste.
Ethanol and Flex Engines: The Future of Mobility
Gadkari noted that ethanol production from corn has boosted the crop’s market value and opened new opportunities for farmers. He added that companies are developing flex-fuel engines, and soon agricultural machinery will also be equipped with them.
According to the minister, these efforts are already helping reduce pollution caused by stubble burning and paving the way for cleaner, homegrown energy alternatives.
Reducing Logistics Costs and Boosting Infrastructure
Gadkari pointed out that although India is now the third-largest economy, its logistics cost is still double that of China. He stressed the need to focus on biofuels and green technologies to cut costs and improve efficiency.
He also mentioned that projects worth several lakh crores have been completed in Delhi alone, contributing to fuel savings and faster transport. Innovative initiatives, such as using 80 lakh tons of garbage for road construction, have already helped reduce logistics costs by six percent.
Electric Trucks: The Next Big Step
Highlighting the potential of electric vehicles, Gadkari said that the newly inaugurated electric truck system will operate at a lower cost than railways and without pollution. He noted that battery prices have fallen by 50–60 percent, making electric transport increasingly viable.
“The day is not far when India will be free from diesel,” he said, predicting rapid technological advancement in the coming years.
India Aiming to Produce Marine Fuel
Looking ahead, Gadkari said India is also preparing to produce fuel for ships, urging transporters to move away from diesel and petrol to stay competitive.Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy was also present at the event, underscoring the government’s collective push toward a cleaner and more sustainable transport future.
