Nitin Gadkari's Vision for Reducing Pollution from Old Vehicles

Nitin Gadkari's Call for cleaner mobility Solutions

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, delivered a compelling address at the Zee Media Auto Summit 2025, highlighting the pressing issue of old diesel vehicles and their contribution to rising pollution levels. He underscored the necessity of phasing out aging diesel and petrol vehicles to safeguard public health and alleviate India's fuel import burden.

Stricter Action on Older Diesel Vehicles

In his address, Gadkari pointed out that older vehicles significantly increase pollution risks. He noted that the emissions from a single old truck can equal those from three modern trucks. He emphasized that replacing vehicles older than 10 to 15 years aligns with public interest. He clarified that the existing scrappage rule is a matter for the State's jurisdiction in Delhi NCR.

Concerns Over Air Pollution in Delhi NCR

Gadkari expressed personal concern regarding air quality, admitting he avoids prolonged stays in Delhi due to its deteriorating conditions. He described the pollution problem as life-shortening and stressed the urgent need for cleaner mobility solutions to improve public health.

Alternatives to Diesel and Petrol Vehicles

Promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable and economical alternative, Gadkari asserted that the monthly running costs for EVs could be substantially lower than those for diesel vehicles. He also encouraged motorists to consider converting their cars to CNG where infrastructure permits, emphasizing the benefits of reduced fuel expenses and emissions.

Government Push for Flex-Engine Vehicles

In addition, Gadkari announced the rollout of flex-engine vehicles capable of operating on ethanol-based fuels. He characterized ethanol as a low-cost, non-polluting alternative that supports farmers while reducing dependence on imported diesel and petrol. Furthermore, he mentioned that isobutanol, derived from ethanol, is being developed as a potential diesel substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why does Nitin Gadkari emphasize phasing out old diesel vehicles?
Answer: Nitin Gadkari stresses the need to phase out old diesel vehicles to reduce pollution levels, as older vehicles emit significantly more pollutants compared to newer models.

Q2. What are the alternatives to diesel vehicles proposed by Gadkari?
Answer: Gadkari advocates for electric vehicles and CNG conversions as cleaner, economical alternatives to traditional diesel and petrol vehicles.

Q3. How does Gadkari view the pollution levels in Delhi NCR?
Answer: Gadkari expresses serious concern over pollution levels in Delhi NCR, noting that he avoids staying there for extended periods due to its poor air quality.

Q4. What is the significance of flex-engine vehicles?
Answer: Flex-engine vehicles can run on ethanol-based fuels, offering a low-cost, non-polluting alternative that benefits local farmers and decreases reliance on imported fuels.

Q5. What does the 10-15 year scrappage rule entail?
Answer: The 10-15 year scrappage rule suggests that vehicles older than this timeframe should be replaced to minimize pollution and promote cleaner transportation options.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main reason Gadkari supports phasing out old diesel vehicles?
A) To reduce reliance on imports
B) To combat pollution
C) To promote electric vehicles
D) To support farmers
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What alternative fuel does Gadkari recommend for vehicles?
A) Diesel
B) Ethanol
C) Petrol
D) Coal
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: How does Gadkari describe the emissions from old trucks?
A) Comparable to modern trucks
B) Significantly lower than modern trucks
C) Equivalent to three modern trucks
D) Non-existent
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What vehicle conversion does Gadkari suggest?
A) Electric to diesel
B) Petrol to CNG
C) Diesel to ethanol
D) CNG to petrol
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What are flex-engine vehicles primarily designed to run on?
A) Diesel
B) Petrol
C) Ethanol-based fuels
D) CNG
Correct Answer: C