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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said India must reduce imports and increase exports to move from being the fourth-largest to the third-largest economy globally. Speaking at a CSIR event, he highlighted the economic and environmental value of converting agricultural waste into bio-bitumen for road construction. With 15 per cent blending, bio-bitumen can save USD 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and cut crude oil dependence. Gadkari also spoke about green hydrogen trucks, alternative fuels, and the need for India to shift from energy imports to exports.
India will need to lower its import dependence and strengthen exports to achieve its ambition of becoming the world's third-largest economy, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said at a technology-focused event held last week. He pointed out that while India has emerged as the fourth-largest global economy, the next stage of growth will require a clear shift in trade balance and domestic value creation. Advertisement
Addressing a gathering at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's technology transfer programme, the minister spoke about the economic and environmental potential of agricultural waste. He explained that agro-residue, often linked to crop-burning pollution, can be converted into a productive national resource, reducing crude oil imports and supporting a circular economy.
Gadkari highlighted the use of bio-bitumen, a petroleum-free alternative, in road construction as a key step towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. According to him, blending bio-bitumen at 15 per cent can help India save nearly USD 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and significantly reduce reliance on imported crude oil. He added that such practices not only cut pollution but also bring economic value to agricultural by-products.
The minister noted that India has become the first country globally to commercially produce bio-bitumen. He said this development has the potential to empower farmers, create rural employment, and strengthen the rural economy by linking agriculture with infrastructure development.
Referring to the broader energy transition, Gadkari suggested that manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment should encourage vehicles running on alternative fuels and supported by flex-engine technology. He also shared that the government has identified 10 highway stretches across the country for the movement of green hydrogen-powered trucks as part of efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, while acknowledging that hydrogen transportation remains a major challenge.
Emphasising energy security, Gadkari said India should aim to become an exporter of energy rather than an importer. He pointed out that the country currently spends nearly INR 22 lakh crore on fossil fuel imports, which not only impacts foreign exchange reserves but also contributes significantly to pollution levels.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What did Union Minister Nitin Gadkari say India must do to achieve the goal of becoming the world's third-largest economy
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that India needs to reduce its dependence on imports and significantly boost exports to move from being the fourth-largest to the third-largest economy globally. He noted that achieving this requires strengthening domestic production, improving trade balance, and creating value within the country, rather than relying heavily on imported goods and energy sources.
Q2. How can agricultural waste contribute to India's economic and environmental goals
Gadkari highlighted that agricultural residues, often burned and causing pollution, can instead be converted into productive resources, such as bio-bitumen for road construction. This not only reduces pollution but also helps India save on crude oil imports, creating economic value from what would otherwise be waste. Utilizing agro-residues supports a circular economy, empowers farmers, and strengthens rural livelihoods.
Q3. What is bio-bitumen and what impact can its use have on India's foreign exchange and energy dependence
Bio-bitumen is a petroleum-free alternative to traditional bitumen used in road construction. According to Gadkari, blending 15 per cent bio-bitumen in roads could save India nearly USD 4,500 crore in foreign exchange by reducing crude oil imports. This practice also supports environmental sustainability by lowering pollution and linking agricultural by-products to infrastructure development.
Q4. What initiatives did Gadkari mention regarding alternative fuels and green energy transportation
The minister discussed encouraging manufacturers to produce vehicles powered by alternative fuels and supported by flex-engine technology. He also mentioned that the government has identified 10 highway stretches for green hydrogen-powered trucks to reduce vehicular emissions. While acknowledging challenges in hydrogen transportation, these measures aim to promote energy transition and reduce India's reliance on fossil fuels.
Q5. What broader energy strategy did Gadkari outline for India
Gadkari stressed that India should aim to become an exporter of energy rather than a net importer. Currently, the country spends nearly INR 22 lakh crore on fossil fuel imports, impacting foreign exchange reserves and contributing to pollution. By producing energy domestically, promoting renewable and alternative fuels, and linking agricultural waste to energy and infrastructure sectors, India can enhance energy security and support sustainable economic growth.
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