– Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at Ashok Leyland’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations held in Chennai on 7th September 2023. Gadkari lauded the CV maker for its enormous contribution to the country’s economy and putting India on the global map in the field of truck & bus technology. We bring you excerpts of what the Minister had to say in his address during the 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Celebrating 75 years of history, a remarkable journey, and the significant contributions made to the Indian economy, the success story of the Ashok Leyland Hinduja family stands as a testament to the promise of futuristic technology in the CV industry. It is indeed a momentous occasion, and I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja family, the promoters, employees, dealers, and stakeholders for their incredible success. Ashok Leyland’s consistent penchant for innovation, sustainability, and excellence is a source of pride for our nation.
In my interactions with people, I often emphasize two critical philosophies. The first is “Knowledge to Wealth,” wherein we consider innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, research skills, and successful practices as knowledge. The real challenge lies in converting this knowledge into wealth, and that is the future. The second vital philosophy is that “No Material is Waste, and No Person is Waste.” Depending on the appropriate technology and visionary leadership, we can transform waste into wealth. The automobile industry holds a pivotal position in our country, making it one of the most crucial sectors for our nation’s growth.
India boasts the distinction of being the world’s fastest-growing economy, and the automobile sector plays an integral role in this growth. As the Minister of Transport and the Automobile Industry, I understand the industry’s significance. When I took charge under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India ranked seventh in the global automobile industry, with an industry size of 4.5 lakh crore. Today, our industry’s size has expanded to 12.5 lakh crore, and we have secured the third position. Just two months ago, we surpassed Japan. As a minister, it is my mission to elevate India to become the world’s foremost automobile manufacturing hub, a goal well within our industry’s capacity.
Ideal Time for Alternate Fuels
Since 2004, I have consistently advocated for alternative fuels. Our heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports, amounting to 16 lakh crores, poses significant challenges for our nation, primarily due to the environmental pollution it generates. Our import of fossil fuel not only strains our economy but also severely impacts our environment. In the Indian society, we uphold three vital pillars: ethics, economy, ecology, and environment. As the Minister of Road Transport, I am focused on constructing roads to boost connectivity and development. However, I carry a sense of responsibility regarding the environmental consequences of our fossil fuel dependence, particularly in cities like Delhi, which grapple with severe pollution. Therefore, it is imperative that we transition to alternative fuels.
I would like to extend special recognition to the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland for their successful implementation of a pilot project that involves adding 15% methanol to Ashok Leyland buses. I had the privilege of launching a methanol-powered truck from Ashok Leyland, a significant step towards reducing our diesel imports. This initiative is supported by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which has recommended the addition of 15% methanol to diesel to save on imports and reduce pollution.
Redefining Transportation with Electric Buses and Trolley Buses
The time has come to revolutionize public transportation, and electric buses present an ideal solution. As a testament to this commitment, we have recently issued a tender for 10,000 electric buses. I had the privilege of launching double-decker electric buses from Switch Mobility, the electric arm of Ashok Leyland, in Mumbai. In comparison to the high costs of running diesel buses in Mumbai, which amount to Rs. 115 per km, electric buses present a significantly more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. Notably, the running cost of electric non-AC buses is just Rs. 39 per km, while AC buses cost only Rs. 41 per km. Without considering subsidies, the cost now stands at just Rs. 60 per km, making electric buses an attractive and affordable option.
I would like to extend a request to Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group to explore the production of trolley buses, a concept that is gaining momentum in India. The plan is to launch trolley buses on the Delhi-Jaipur route, which is poised to experience high demand. This move can significantly reduce the capital cost, as trolley buses are more cost-effective than their electric counterparts. By establishing a network of trolley buses along key routes, we can also alleviate the challenges of battery costs. The end goal is to drive down logistics costs and make India more competitive in the international market.
Hydrogen as a Futuristic Technology
One of the most promising developments in the automobile industry is the emergence of hydrogen fuel cell technology. While we celebrate Ashok Leyland’s 75th Anniversary, their recent launch of a hydrogen truck with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology are equally exciting prospects. This futuristic technology represents a visionary approach, underpinned by strong planning and research. Knowledge plays a pivotal role in achieving our goals, and India’s startups, engineering colleges like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and industry leaders like Ashok Leyland are at the forefront of innovative solutions.
A comprehensive approach is necessary to develop the hydrogen infrastructure and plan the integration of hydrogen fuel. This is a pivotal aspect of our journey toward realizing the potential of hydrogen as a clean, renewable energy source. I am heartened by the steps taken by Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group to make a positive impact both within India and on the global stage. Your commitment to innovation, coupled with the capabilities of India’s startups and educational institutions, signifies a brighter future for our nation.
India is rapidly advancing toward becoming a super economic power, with the vision of a five-trillion-dollar economy firmly embedded in our national consciousness. The role of the automobile industry is of paramount importance in this journey. I am immensely pleased with the forward-looking approach demonstrated by Ashok Leyland in embracing new technologies and sustainable fuel options, including ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, bio-LNG, bio CNG, and hydrogen. As the only owner of a hydrogen car in India, I am a staunch advocate of this technology’s potential to transform our energy landscape.
Lauding Ashok Leyland’s Contributions
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for Ashok Leyland’s outstanding achievements over the past 75 years. Your success is a testament to the Indian spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and progress. I extend my best wishes to all stakeholders of Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja family. I have had the privilege of close association with the Hinduja family and have witnessed their remarkable endeavors in various fields. However, the automobile sector holds a special place in India’s journey, and I am confident that your industry’s commitment to futuristic technologies will not only create employment opportunities but also generate wealth for our nation.
Once again, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on your 75 years of success during this Amrit Mahotsav celebration.