Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has delivered a blunt message to the auto industry: petrol and diesel vehicles are on borrowed time, with India rapidly steering toward a cleaner, post-fossil fuel mobility future. Speaking at the Busworld India Conclave 2025, Gadkari urged the automobile industry to accelerate its transition to cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives.
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Push for Cleaner Mobility
“There is no future for diesel and petrol vehicles,” Gadkari said during his keynote address, underlining the economic and environmental challenges posed by conventional fuels. He pointed out that India’s dependence on fuel imports continues to strain the economy, while emissions from fossil fuels contribute significantly to pollution.
As part of the transition, the minister highlighted a multi-pronged approach that includes biofuels, CNG, LNG, electric mobility, and hydrogen. He noted that pilot projects for hydrogen-powered transport are already underway, with around 10 routes currently operating hydrogen buses and trucks. Several leading automakers—including Tata Motors, Volvo, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra & Mahindra—are actively participating in hydrogen mobility trials. “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future,” Gadkari said, reinforcing the government’s long-term vision.
Alongside hydrogen, ethanol-based fuels are also gaining traction. Gadkari emphasised India’s capability to produce ethanol from multiple feedstocks and pointed to ongoing efforts to develop flex-fuel engines. Vehicles compatible with E20 fuel blends are already being rolled out as part of this transition.
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Safety Takes Centre Stage
Beyond fuel innovation, the minister also addressed safety concerns in public transport—particularly in the bus segment. He announced a shift in the vehicle approval process, requiring bus registrations to be uploaded on the Vahan portal along with physical and video verification. This move replaces the earlier self-certification regime followed by manufacturers.
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Gadkari called on OEMs to prioritise safety, quality, and passenger comfort, rather than focusing solely on cost reduction. The government’s push for safer public transport comes at a time when demand for electric buses is rising rapidly. According to estimates shared at the event, India could require up to 150,000 electric buses over the next three years.
However, the current manufacturing capacity stands at around 70,000 units annually, indicating a significant gap that the industry will need to address. Together, these developments signal a broader shift in India’s mobility strategy—one that combines cleaner energy adoption with stricter safety standards to support the next phase of transport evolution.
