Speaking at Times Network presents Snapdragon Auto Day, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari outlined key developments in India’s mobility journey, opening his address by emphasising that the country’s automobile industry has now become the third-largest globally, a significant milestone in its growth story. “The auto industry plays a crucial role in our economy, it contributes Rs 22 lakh crore, supports over 4 crore jobs, and generates the highest GST revenue for the country,” he said.
One of the major announcements of the evening was the launch of Times Drive’s Brake the Habit, a new road safety initiative by Times Network. The national campaign aims to promote responsible driving and road safety awareness. It is being positioned as a long-term, content-led initiative and aims to shift behavioural patterns among Indian drivers through storytelling, engagement, and on-ground activations.
SurveyGadkari said the ministry is investing Rs 40,000 crore to address accident-prone areas across highways, with 77 high-risk corridors already being redesigned under the Zero Fatality Corridor project. He also mentioned that India is now manufacturing cars with globally recognised safety features, and that several international automakers are choosing to test their vehicles in India.
The minister emphasised the need to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, which currently cost India around Rs 22 lakh crore. Gadkari spoke about the government’s ongoing efforts to promote ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, CNG, electric, and hydrogen-based alternatives.
Hydrogen, he said, is shaping up to be a key fuel for the future and confirmed that trials for hydrogen-powered trucks have begun, with support from multiple companies. Nine hydrogen refuelling stations are currently being set up, and the broader mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
Gadkari also highlighted progress in using municipal waste and bio-bitumen for road construction, pointing to examples like the reduction of the Ghazipur landfill through infrastructure reuse.
In addition, Gadkari announced plans to open 1,600 new driver training centres across the country that will address the current shortage of around 22 lakh skilled drivers and are expected to create over 15 lakh new jobs. “With the right mix of technology, talent, and collaboration, there’s potential to grow the industry even further in the years ahead,” he said.
Follow Us
Siddharth Chauhan
Siddharth reports on gadgets, technology and you will occasionally find him testing the latest smartphones at Digit. However, his love affair with tech and futurism extends way beyond, at the intersection of technology and culture. View Full Profile
