NEWSMAKERS 2024: Nitin Gadkari - The Road Builder...

The year 2024 has been crucial for Nitin Gadkari, India's Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, as he goes about his mission of corralling support for the country’s sustainable transportation agenda.

Known for his straightforward speeches and practical approach, Gadkari has led policies that are transforming India’s transportation sector and advancing its role in green mobility on a global scale. Over the past decade, he has supported various alternative fuels, including LNG, biofuels, hydrogen, and electric vehicles. However, this year represents a key milestone, as Gadkari has implemented a series of important measures aimed at making electric mobility more widespread in India.

Born in Nagpur in 1957, Gadkari has been an influential figure in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rising from regional politics in Maharashtra to the national stage. Since his appointment as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in 2014, he has overseen significant changes in India's infrastructure, reinforcing his status as a key figure in the government.

Gadkari again hit the headlines this year when – at the 64th annual convention of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) – he suggested that subsidies for EV manufacturers may soon no longer be necessary. While this comment generated both support and discussion, the minister explained that his view is based on optimism. He expects EVs to soon reach cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles, reducing the need for subsidies.

Gadkari’s thinking approach has garnered praise from supporters who point out that domestic EV production has significantly lowered costs, making subsidies less crucial. However, critics caution that reducing subsidies prematurely could slow progress, particularly in emerging areas like electric trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.

In addition to promoting self-sustaining EV growth, Gadkari has played a central role in the introduction of the "PM E-DRIVE Scheme" this year. Approved by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Rs 10,900 crore initiative is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility across India.

The plan includes Rs 3,679 crore in subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and e-vouchers for buyers. Allocations for e-buses and charging infrastructure have gone up significantly in the scheme compared to its predecessors, even as the government has unveiled a path to what looks like the eventual elimination of direct subsidies to buyers of two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

With Gadkari as the roads and highways minister, India's electric vehicle market has experienced notable growth. In FY24, EV sales increased by over 41%, with two- and three-wheelers leading the market. Total EV registrations surpassed 1.6 million, a sharp rise from the previous year’s 1.1 million, despite regulatory changes and reductions in subsidies.

However, Gadkari has faced challenges during his tenure. The development of charging infrastructure in rural areas has been slower, and while cities have embraced EVs, smaller towns and villages have lagged in the transition.

As India works toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, Gadkari’s role in advancing electric mobility will be a defining aspect of the country's shift toward sustainability. His contributions to both sustainable transportation and the transformation of India’s automotive industry are expected to leave a lasting impact.