New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that electric vehicles (EVs) in India are expected to cost the same as petrol-powered vehicles within the next four to six months, marking a major milestone for clean mobility in the country.
Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, Gadkari highlighted India’s heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which costs the nation Rs 22 lakh crore annually in imports and poses a serious environmental hazard. He stressed that accelerating the adoption of clean energy is essential for both economic and ecological progress.
“Within the next 4-6 months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles,” the minister said. Gadkari also outlined a broader vision for India’s automobile sector, stating, “Within five years, our target is to make India’s automobile industry the number one in the world.” He noted that the Indian automobile industry has grown from Rs 14 lakh crore when he took charge to Rs 22 lakh crore today, while the US and China remain ahead at Rs 78 lakh crore and Rs 47 lakh crore respectively.
Highlighting innovations in agriculture and sustainability, Gadkari pointed out that farmers have earned an additional Rs 45,000 crore by producing ethanol from corn. He also shared plans to use segregated solid waste for road construction by 2027, aiming to generate value from waste while promoting environmental sustainability.
The minister emphasized the role of higher education and skill development in India’s growth, stressing that the country’s strength lies in its young, talented, and skilled workforce. “If we provide them with the right education and skills, India can take a leading role globally,” he said. Gadkari urged educational institutions to integrate innovative technologies and practical applications into curricula to prepare students for future challenges.
This announcement reinforces India’s push toward cleaner transportation, economic self-reliance, and a sustainable future.
