Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has laid out an ambitious plan to establish India as the world’s foremost automobile manufacturing hub. Speaking at the International Value Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he outlined strategies aimed at transforming the country’s automotive sector, promoting green mobility, and enhancing infrastructure development.
India has recently overtaken Japan to secure its place as the third-largest automobile market globally, and the government is now striving to become number one in the next five years. “All major global automobile players are expanding in India. Their focus is shifting from assembling vehicles to using India as a key export centre,” Gadkari noted. Highlighting the strength of the two-wheeler segment, he added that more than half of its production is now shipped internationally, reinforcing India’s growing presence in global markets.
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Leading the Green Mobility Revolution
Addressing the push for clean transportation, the minister emphasised India’s leadership in electric mobility, hydrogen fuel, and alternative energy solutions. “We have launched hydrogen-powered trucks, and pilot projects are running on ten major routes. “Our mission is to lead the world in sustainable transportation,” he explained. With active support from industry giants such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Reliance, and Indian Oil, the government has allocated ₹600 crore in grants to accelerate hydrogen infrastructure development. In addition, innovations in fuels like isobutanol and bio-bitumen are being tested to further boost eco-friendly solutions.
Transforming Road Infra Across the Nation
India’s road development has also achieved remarkable milestones. Gadkari pointed out that the country now boasts the second-largest road network globally, while travel efficiency has significantly improved. “The journey from Panipat to Delhi Airport, which once took three hours, now takes only 35 minutes,” he highlighted. He also shared details of ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Chennai-Bengaluru motorway and the ₹23,000 crore Bengaluru Ring Road, both designed to enhance connectivity and reduce urban congestion.
Sustainability at the Core of Development
A major focus of the address was on sustainable practices. Gadkari stressed how waste is being converted into resources to build better roads. “Over 8 million tonnes of waste from the Ghazipur landfill have been repurposed for road construction, reducing its height by seven metres,” he said. Additionally, trials with bio-bitumen made from rice straw have shown superior performance compared to traditional petroleum-based bitumen while offering solutions to reduce stubble burning.
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A Call for Global Collaboration
Gadkari concluded by inviting international collaboration in areas such as precast road construction, tunnel engineering, hydrogen transportation, and circular economy solutions. “We are not short of resources; our roads are already monetised, and our revenue streams are strong. What we seek is your innovation, your technology, and your partnership,” he urged global stakeholders.
India’s journey toward becoming the leading automobile manufacturing hub is not just about scale—it’s a strategic push for sustainable growth, global exports, and technological advancement.
