Within the next six months, major automobile manufacturers such as Mahindra, Toyota, Hyundai, and Tata would launch vehicles that would run on 100 per cent bioethanol, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. This will be a significant step in India’s biofuel journey, aligning with the nation’s push towards sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. The increased adoption of ethanol-powered vehicles is expected to drive higher ethanol consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and boost the agricultural economy.
Gadkari made this announcement during a special event held to celebrate Dr. Pramod Chaudhari’s 75th birthday. Dr. Chaudhari is the founder-chairman of Praj Industries Ltd. Gadkari praised Dr. Chaudhari for his significant contributions to the global and Indian biofuel revolution. Dr. Chaudhari is widely recognized as India’s ‘Ethanol Man’ for his visionary work in the biofuel sector. Speaking via video conference, Gadkari acknowledged Dr. Chaudhari’s lifelong dedication to advancing biofuel technology, which has become crucial for India’s sustainability and economic growth.
In his address, Gadkari commended Dr. Chaudhari for his 40-year journey in biofuel research, noting his success in promoting ethanol as a viable alternative fuel. Gadkari highlighted Dr. Chaudhari’s groundbreaking work in producing ethanol from sugarcane and other feedstocks, which has revitalized the economy. He pointed to the doubling of maize prices after the commencement of ethanol production as a specific example.
Gadkari highlighted the broader social impact of biofuel development, noting that it could transform rural India into a network of smart villages, reduce rural-to-urban migration, and lay the foundation for an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), which aims to become the third-largest economy in the world.
India aims to achieve a 20 percent ethanol blending target in petrol by 2025, and the government is confident it will meet this target on time. The government has also begun discussions to create a roadmap for increasing ethanol adoption after 2025, following the successful achievement of the national target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol.
