Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that India is set to lead the world in biofuels. Laying foundation stone and dedicating to the nation three National Highways projects in Puducherry today, the Minister said, electric vehicle industry in the country has grown to 22 lakh crore rupees from 14 lakh crore rupees in 2014. 

 

 

The Minister dedicated to the nation the 38-kilometre-long four-lane Puducherry-Poondiyankuppam section of NH-32, built at a cost of one thousand 588 crore rupees. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a four-kilometre elevated corridor between Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square on NH-32 with an outlay of 436 crore rupees. In addition, the foundation stone for the improvement works of a 14-kilometre stretch of the East Coast Road with an investment of 25 crore rupees was also laid.

 

 

Highlighting sustainable construction practices, he said municipal waste is being used in road building and 18 lakh tonnes of such waste have been utilised so far. Mr. Gadkari said tractor manufacturers will be encouraged to introduce flex-fuel, ethanol, CNG, and electric engines, noting that electric tractors can help farmers save up to one lakh 50 thouand annually. He added that country’s logistics cost has come down from 16 percent to 10 percent and is expected to reach 9 percent due to improved road infrastructure and efficient fuels.