Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, on Monday unveiled an ambitious roadmap at the International Value Summit 2025 in New Delhi to position India as a global leader in automobile manufacturing, green mobility, and infrastructure innovation.
India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile market globally, with the government targeting the top position within five years. “All major global automobile brands are now present in India. Their focus has shifted from merely assembling to exporting vehicles from India to the world,” said Shri Gadkari. He highlighted that India’s two-wheeler sector alone exports over 50 per cent of its production, underlining the country’s growing global footprint.
On clean mobility, the Minister emphasised India’s leadership in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and alternative fuels. “We have already launched hydrogen trucks, and pilot projects are underway across ten routes. Our aim is to lead the world in green mobility,” he stated. With support from companies including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Reliance, and Indian Oil, the government has provided Rs 600 crore in grants to fast-track hydrogen infrastructure. Trials are also ongoing for new fuel options such as isobutanol and bio-bitumen.
India’s road network has undergone transformative growth. “India now has the second-largest road network in the world. Travel times have been drastically reduced—Panipat to Delhi Airport now takes just 35 minutes instead of three hours,” Shri Gadkari said. Key projects such as the Chennai–Bengaluru expressway and the Rs 23,000 crore Bengaluru Ring Road are expected to improve connectivity and reduce urban congestion.
Sustainability remained a core focus. “We are converting waste into wealth. Over 8 million tonnes of waste from Ghazipur landfill have been used in road construction, reducing its height by seven metres,” the Minister noted. He also highlighted successful trials of bio-bitumen made from rice straw, which performs better than petroleum-based bitumen and helps reduce stubble burning.
Shri Gadkari called for global partnerships in areas including precast road construction, tunnel engineering, hydrogen transport systems, and circular economy solutions. “We do not have a resource problem. Our roads are monetised, and our revenue is strong. What we need is your innovation, technology, and cooperation,” he urged international delegates.
