Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a major initiative to combat the twin challenges of traffic congestion and air pollution in Delhi. Speaking at the Times Network's India Economic Conclave in New Delhi on December 13, 2024, Gadkari revealed that the government is working on a ₹65,000 crore project aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing pollution levels in the national capital.

Tackling Pollution from the Transport Department

Gadkari admitted that the Transport Department is responsible for 40% of the pollution in Delhi, highlighting the significant role played by the transport sector in the city's air quality. He acknowledged that air pollution is a critical issue and emphasized the government's focus on finding solutions to reduce its impact. The upcoming project will address both traffic jams and pollution, aiming for an integrated solution to these interconnected urban challenges.

Addressing Stubble Burning and Pollution

One of the significant contributors to pollution in Delhi is the stubble burning in the nearby states of Punjab, Haryana, and surrounding areas. Gadkari mentioned that rice straw, or parali, from these regions contributes approximately 200 lakh tonnes of waste annually. To combat this, the government has launched a stubble utilization project in Panipat, which will convert the straw into useful products, such as ethanol, bio-vitamins, and bio-aviation fuel.

Gadkari revealed that the Panipat project is expected to produce 1 lakh liters of ethanol, 150 tonnes of bio-vitamins, and 88 thousand tonnes of bio-aviation fuel. So far, 400 projects have been initiated, with 40 already completed, using 60 lakh tonnes of parali. The project not only helps reduce pollution but also transforms stubble into valuable resources.

Future Plans for Stubble Management

The minister also shared that he has ordered officials in Punjab to explore methods to create value from stubble rather than burning it, with the possibility of earning ₹2,500 per tonne for the waste. Gadkari expects that the stubble burning issue will be resolved within the next two years.

Focus on Biofuels and Electric Vehicles

Gadkari reiterated the government’s push towards promoting alternative fuels and biofuels, highlighting their role in reducing fossil fuel imports and addressing environmental concerns. The import of fossil fuels costs India around ₹22 lakh crore annually, and Gadkari believes that reducing this amount to ₹10 lakh crore would significantly reduce pollution in the country.

He also discussed the electric vehicle (EV) sector, emphasizing the growing potential for EVs to match the cost of diesel and conventional engine vehicles. Gadkari pointed to the decline in the cost of lithium-ion batteries, from USD 150 per kilowatt-hour to USD 110, with the expectation that it will soon fall to USD 100 per kilowatt-hour. This price drop is seen as crucial to making electric vehicles more affordable and competitive with traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Conclusion

The initiatives outlined by Nitin Gadkari reflect the government's strategic focus on integrating sustainable technologies and practices to address the complex issues of pollution, traffic congestion, and fossil fuel dependence. Through projects like stubble utilization, the promotion of biofuels, and the rise of electric vehicles, the government aims to make substantial progress in improving air quality and reducing the nation's reliance on imported fuels. Gadkari’s statements signal a rapid transformation in India's transport and energy sectors, potentially driving both economic growth and environmental sustainability in the coming years.