Outlook Business Desk
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari unveiled, on Wednesday, India’s first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station at Delhi International Cargo Terminal in Panchi Gujran. Built by Energy in Motion, the station aims to modernise freight logistics through faster EV adoption.
Gadkari emphasised the government’s efforts to reduce India’s logistics costs, noting that improved transport infrastructure and faster electric vehicle adoption can lower expenses, streamline supply chains, and cut the annual ₹25 lakh crore spent on fuel imports.
Gadkari said the government's aim is to bring logistics costs below 9% by December 2026 by strengthening highways and integrating waterways, railways, and road transport. He added that better connectivity will boost trade efficiency and benefit both industries and farmers.
Lower logistics costs will directly reduce transportation expenses for farmers’ produce. Gadkari emphasised that efficient freight and alternative energy adoption will increase agricultural profitability, helping farmers become not just food providers but energy producers as well.
The government recently allowed ethanol production from maize, he stated, which has increased demand and pushed prices from ₹1,200 to ₹2,800 per quintal. This initiative aims to boost farmers’ incomes while supporting India’s green energy transition.
He additionally highlighted that plans are underway to produce biofuels from sugarcane, paddy straw, and other crop residues. These projects are designed to boost farmers’ income while tackling environmental issues such as stubble burning and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
Targeting heavy vehicles for biofuel adoption instead of diesel, Gadkari and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, pointed out that such vehicles will reduce costs and pollution, advancing India’s goal of sustainable and modern infrastructure.
He also explained that under PM Modi’s leadership, the PM E-Drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme encourages EV adoption, expands charging infrastructure, and strengthens domestic EV manufacturing, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and a greener, energy-efficient India.