Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that ethanol blending programme is a scientifically proven initiative that has delivered significant economic and environmental benefits. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Conclave in New Delhi, Mr Gadkari defended Centre’s ethanol blending programme, asking critics to show even one vehicle with issues due to the mixed fuel. He asserted that no such incident has taken place. The Minister stressed the need to promote alternative biofuels to achieve energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. The Minister noted that greater use of alternative fuels will help reduce pollution, lower fuel import , create employment opportunities in rural areas and enhance farmers’ income.
Mr Gadkari also highlighted that flagship projects, including the 14-kms Zojila Tunnel, 36 tunnels on the Jammu-Srinagar corridor, the Kedarnath Ropeway, and enhanced road connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, are strengthening connectivity and accelerating the country’s development. He added that politics should be an instrument of socio-economic transformation.
