Nitin Gadkari: Auto industry must balloon

Mumbai: Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said he wanted to see the auto industry become worth Rs 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024.
‘The size of the automobile industry is Rs 7.5 lakh crore. It has maximum employment potential and gives maximum revenue to the government through GST. My dream is to make the industry Rs 15 lakh crore by the end of 2024. It is possible as all the reputed brands are in the country,’ he told an event organized to launch Ashok Leyland’s electric double-decker bus in the city.
The Minister predicted that within five years, India will be the number one automobile manufacturing country in the world.
Stating that green energy was the future, he said it was time for India to go for alternative fuels, particularly ethanol.
‘We import petroleum and gas products worth Rs 15 lakh crore. It is not only an economic challenge but 35 per cent of the pollution in the country is caused because of diesel and petrol. It is the time (to think) for ecology and environment.
“We need to set priorities to make the country pollution-free. In India, crude oil import is a challenge as rates are increasing,’ he said.
He also stressed undertaking research and innovation. (UNI)