NEW DELHI: Tomorrow, on August 29th, Tuesday, Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will reveal a groundbreaking innovation: a Toyota Innova car that runs entirely on 100% ethanol fuel. This announcement was made by the minister during his address at the Mint Sustainability Summit in New Delhi.
Gadkari has been actively encouraging automobile manufacturers to develop vehicles that run on alternative fuels and contribute to environmental sustainability. In the previous year, he introduced a hydrogen-powered car, the Toyota Mirai EV.
"On August 29th, I will be introducing the widely-known Toyota Innova car, powered by 100% ethanol," stated Gadkari. Notably, this unveiling will mark the world's debut of a BS-VI (Stage-II) electric flex-fuel vehicle, according to reports.
He revealed that his interest in biofuels was sparked back in 2004, prompted by a surge in petrol prices within the country. His pursuit led him to Brazil, where he delved into this area. Gadkari firmly believes that biofuels hold significant potential and can significantly reduce the foreign exchange spent on petroleum imports.
"In order to achieve self-reliance, we must eliminate our dependency on oil imports. Currently, this stands at a staggering Rs. 16 lakh crore, posing a substantial economic loss. Addressing this challenge is crucial for India, particularly due to the pressing issue of pollution," emphasized Gadkari.
While acknowledging the steps already taken towards sustainability, Gadkari stressed the necessity for further actions to combat pollution. He underscored the significance of ecological preservation and environmental protection.
"Our focus should be on diminishing both air and water pollution. Improving the quality of our rivers' water is a formidable task that lies ahead. Safeguarding our environment and ecology is of utmost importance," added the minister.
Furthermore, Nitin Gadkari disclosed that several road projects, valued at Rs. 65,000 crore, are on track to be completed by year's end. This includes the significant undertaking of constructing the Dwarka Expressway.
Expressing concerns about the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Gadkari emphasized their link to diseases resembling cancer. He is a proponent of organic farming as a means to generate wealth and steer the nation towards sustainability. He believes that education is pivotal in transforming waste into valuable resources. With the expansion of highways, he anticipates a reduction in logistic costs from the current 14-16% to a mere 9%.
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