Shri Nitin Gadkari Stresses Need for Biofuels & Waste-to-Energy Solutions

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, highlighted two major concerns—rising pollution and heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports—at the International Methanol Seminar. He called for reducing the ₹22 lakh crore spent on imports to achieve self-sufficiency, especially given global geopolitical challenges. Emphasizing the role of biofuels, Gadkari noted their potential to boost energy independence, support the agricultural sector, and uplift farmers.

He also pointed out the use of alternative fuels like methanol, ethanol, and bio-CNG to lower logistics costs. The minister discussed converting waste into wealth, including using used tyre powder and plastic in road construction to cut down on bitumen imports. He highlighted the production of bio-CNG from rice straw, with 475 projects in progress and over 40 operational in states like Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.