Nitin Gadkari Highlights Sustainable Transport Priorities at SIAM Annual Convention

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, addressed the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today, outlining the government’s roadmap for sustainable mobility.

“As world’s 3rd largest automobile industry, India needs to focus on providing comfortable public transportation. We will maintain global alignment on BS7 and CAFE norms to address air pollution issues. In addition, moving to bio fuels helps in reducing India’s crude imports and enhances farmer incomes. More than 3 lakh vehicles have been scrapped following the implementation of the scrappage policy, benefiting industry, government, and environment,” Shri Gadkari said.

He noted that reducing logistics costs remains a priority, with the government aiming to bring costs to single digits by the end of the year. Road safety, he added, is another key area requiring greater public awareness and behavioural change.

“Road safety remains crucial. Therefore, public campaigns and NGO engagement is essential to improve human behaviour to prevent accidents. For those aiding road accident victims, Rs. 25,000 will be awarded to ‘Rah-Veers’ in addition to providing insurance up to 1.5 Lacs to accident victims,” he said.

The convention brought together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how sustainable mobility can contribute to achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.