Gadkari Envisions Phasing Out Petrol and Diesel Cars, Advocates for Alternative Fuels

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th April. Union Minister of Roads and Transport, Nitin Gadkari, has stirred discussions by expressing his vision to phase out petrol and diesel cars in India.

In an interview with PTI, Gadkari outlined his ambitious plan, emphasizing the need to transition to alternative fuel vehicles for environmental sustainability.

While Gadkari refrained from providing a specific timeline for this transformation, he stressed that it’s a challenging yet achievable goal.

He highlighted the growing acceptance of alternative fuel options among consumers, citing examples such as Bajaj, TVS, and Hero gearing up to manufacture motorcycles with flex fuels.

Additionally, he mentioned the introduction of hydrogen-powered cars by Tata and Ashok Leyland, along with trucks running on LNG/CNG.
This statement comes on the heels of Gadkari’s recent proposal to reduce taxes on hybrid cars to encourage their adoption.

He criticized the current tax rate of 43% (28% GST + Cess) on hybrids as unfair, considering their environmental benefits compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Gadkari urged the finance minister to address this issue in the upcoming GST council meeting, advocating for a reduction in GST to 12% to make hybrid cars more affordable.

Gadkari’s remarks signal a shift towards prioritizing cleaner and more sustainable transportation options in India’s automotive industry. However, the prospect of phasing out petrol and diesel cars raises questions about the feasibility and timeline of such a transition, stirring both anticipation and apprehension among industry stakeholders and consumers alike.