Delhi’s transport pollution to drop 50% in two years: Gadkari

New Delhi: Air pollution in Delhi from transport will decrease by at least half in the next two years, as per the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. He stressed that electric vehicles (EVs) and green hydrogen will be helpful in dipping the pollution levels in the national capital. He went on to say that road transport plays a vital role in Delhi’s air pollution, especially during the winter.

However, he further added that in two years’ time, we will reduce 50 to 60 per cent transport-related pollution in Delhi. “We are working on projects to convert public transport to biofuels and electric, which will help in lessening the pollution.” Additionally, he said that bioethanol, made from rice straw, will be a solution to reduce pollution and a way to help farmers as well.

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Gadkari said that the government has set targets for EV adoption by 2030. It is expected that within two years 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, 40% of buses, and 80% of two- and three-wheelers will be changed into EVs.

Currently, EVs make up only 3% of India’s total vehicles. The minister stated that India spends Rs 22 lakh crore on fossil fuel imports, which will be beneficial for economic challenges as well as reducing air pollution. EV sales have gone up by 300% in several sectors, he said.

Electric buses are gaining popularity in cities like Mumbai; they are more cost-effective than diesel buses. Gadkari pointed out that the cost per kilometre for electric buses is Rs 39, compared to Rs 60 for diesel buses. 5% GST has been reduced on EVs, which are cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles.