Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has once again highlighted the importance of vehicle scrappage in India’s transition to green mobility. He believes the future depends on a combination of electric and biofuel vehicles, along with the scrapping of old vehicles. Gadkari stated that this would not only reduce pollution but also provide valuable raw materials for the automotive and clean energy sectors.
Speaking at the 7th Auto Retail Conclave hosted by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Gadkari highlighted the benefits of scrapping, including the recovery of high-quality, recyclable metals. He believes this will reduce costs and boost domestic production capabilities.
He urged both vehicle manufacturers and dealers to see vehicle scrapping as an opportunity. Gadkari mentioned India’s large expenditure on fossil fuel imports, approximately ₹22 lakh crore each year, and suggested a strategy involving electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and scrapping to address this.
Gadkari pointed out the increasing demand for electric vehicles and advanced battery technologies, such as sodium and aluminum batteries. Scrapping can provide the necessary minerals for these. He also mentioned the government’s ongoing work on a professional policy to ensure that the raw materials from scrapping are utilized efficiently.
He also encouraged dealers to participate in vehicle scrapping, stating that it would create a new market for them and benefit the industry as a whole. This will help manufacturers in the domestic market and also open up export opportunities.
This reinforces the crucial role of scrapping policy in achieving green mobility in India. Collective action from dealers and manufacturers will benefit the industry and contribute to a self-reliant and environmentally responsible future.