New Delhi, Apr 29 (BNP): Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that petrol and diesel vehicles have no long-term future in India, as the country moves towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.

He urged the automobile industry to accelerate the transition towards alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ethanol, CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles. He also highlighted that India’s heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports, worth nearly ₹22 lakh crore annually, makes energy transition essential for both economic and environmental reasons.

Gadkari said hydrogen is emerging as a key fuel for the future, with pilot projects for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks already underway in collaboration with leading industry partners. These trials are being conducted on select corridors under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

He added that India’s future transport strategy will focus on reducing emissions, strengthening energy security, and promoting self-reliant, clean fuel technologies.