Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, unveiled an ambitious roadmap to position India as the world’s top automobile manufacturing hub at the International Value Summit 2025 in New Delhi. India has already overtaken Japan to become the third-largest automobile market, and the government is targeting the No. 1 position within five years.
“All major global automobile brands are present in India, and their focus has shifted from assembling to exporting vehicles from India to global markets,” Shri Gadkari noted. He highlighted that India’s two-wheeler industry exports more than half its production, underlining the nation’s growing global reach.
The Minister emphasized India’s leadership in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and alternative energy solutions. Hydrogen-powered trucks are already on the roads, with pilot projects underway on ten routes. With the support of Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Reliance, and Indian Oil, the government has provided ₹600 crore in grants to accelerate hydrogen infrastructure. He also cited trials in isobutanol and bio-bitumen, positioning India at the forefront of sustainable fuel development.
On infrastructure, Shri Gadkari highlighted India’s rapid progress, pointing out that the country now has the second-largest road network in the world. Reduced travel times—such as Panipat to Delhi Airport now taking just 35 minutes instead of three hours—demonstrate the impact of new expressways. Projects like the Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway and the ₹23,000 crore Bengaluru Ring Road are set to further strengthen connectivity and reduce congestion.
Sustainability was a recurring theme. Shri Gadkari highlighted how waste-to-wealth initiatives are transforming infrastructure: over 80 lakh tonnes of waste from the Ghazipur landfill have already been repurposed for road construction, reducing the landfill height by seven metres. Bio-bitumen made from rice straw has also shown strong results, offering a viable solution to stubble burning while outperforming petroleum-based alternatives.
Calling for international collaboration, he urged global players to bring innovation in precast road construction, tunnel engineering, hydrogen transport, and circular economy practices. “India does not face a resource problem—our roads are monetized, and our revenues are strong. What we seek is your innovation, technology, and cooperation,” Shri Gadkari told delegates.
