At the ABP LIVE India Infrastructure Conclave 2024, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, outlined his vision for sustainable, cost-effective, and high-quality infrastructure development across India. Speaking on the theme ‘India’s Infra Revolution: The Next Steps,’ Gadkari emphasized the need for a strategic shift towards alternative fuels, innovative technologies, and efficient decision-making.

Gadkari highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of switching to alternative fuels. He compared the costs of operating vehicles on diesel versus electric fuel, stating, “A bus that runs on diesel costs Rs 115 per kilometer, while one running on electricity costs Rs 60 per kilometer, demonstrating that alternative fuel is always more cost-effective than fossil fuel.” He also discussed the advantages of using ethanol over petrol, noting that “using bio-fuel instead of fossil fuel leads to at least a 50 percent price reduction.”

Addressing the audience, Gadkari shared his perspective on the future of hydrogen fuel. He acknowledged that the current costs associated with constructing hydrogen fuel stations are higher than those for fossil fuels but remained optimistic about the potential of hydrogen technology. “If India can effectively segregate municipal waste from organic waste to produce hydrogen from methane, we will achieve energy independence. This is not merely a declaration, but my dream,” he stated.

Gadkari underscored the critical importance of timely decision-making in infrastructure development. “A fast-track decision-making process, transparency, and a corruption-free system are essential,” he said. He also advocated for performance audits over financial audits, emphasizing that “performance is achieved through timely and effective decisions.”

The ABP LIVE India Infrastructure Conclave 2024 serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking among key stakeholders, including government bodies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private sector giants. The event focuses on driving sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development in India by promoting innovative solutions, best practices, and policy recommendations.

The conclave witnessed participation from the most influential voices in India’s infrastructure sector, celebrating the nation’s groundbreaking achievements and discussing the future of the country’s infrastructure landscape. It also addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and trends in the sector, reinforcing India’s commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable infrastructure ecosystem.