'Petrol and Diesel Vehicles to be Banned in India?' Official Announcement is Here!

The slowdown in the automobile industry in recent times alerted the investors in India to analyze the reasons and possible alternatives for the unprecedented loss recorded in the past few years. Meanwhile, the industry also had a concern over the speculation or possibility of a ban on internal combustion engine vehicles.

While the dilemma started making waves in the automobile sector, Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways opened up on the concern. While speaking at the 59th Annual SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) Convention, Mr Gadkari told that the government did not have any plans to propose a ban on petrol and diesel cars in the country.

The minister further added that the automobile industry in the country is worth Rs.4.50 Lakh crore and alternative or refined methods should be adopted to obtain cleaner sources of fuel since pollution remains to be the major issue for India.

"The government is not proposing to ban petrol and diesel cars in the country. The ₹ 4.50 lakh crore automobile sector, provides a lot of jobs and exports too have increased. But the government is facing some problem. First among which is the cost of import of crude oil. The second is pollution and the third is road safety,"  Gadkari was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Reportedly, Delhi has been listed as the topmost polluted cities in India. As per Gadkari's statement, the GOI has set up Rs 50,000 crore plan to reduce the pollution and 29 per cent had already been brought under control. Nitin Gadkari added that reducing pollution is in the national interest.