New Delhi: India plans to phase out over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles in India to promote 'alternative fuels', Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said.

The minister emphasized the feasibility of achieving this vision, highlighting the Rs 16 lakh crore spent on fuel imports annually, which could instead be channeled towards bolstering farmers' livelihoods, village prosperity, and youth employment.

The Finance Ministry is contemplating reducing GST on hybrid vehicles to 5% and 12% for flex engines, supporting the transition towards greener transportation. Gadkari said he is confident in India's ability to eliminate fuel imports by promoting the adoption of biofuels.

Environmental activists have welcomed Gadkari's vision for enhancing green mobility but cautioned against fossil fuels' use in electricity production. Gadkari, a longstanding advocate for alternative fuels since 2004, believes the transition can be accomplished within 5-7 years, Gadkari said during the interview.

Companies like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero are already gearing up to manufacture motorcycles with flex engines, with similar technology in development for auto-rickshaws, signaling a shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

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