'Comfort of Mercs': Gadkari backs hydrogen cars for a cleaner India
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari just announced he's switching to Toyota's Mirai hydrogen car, saying it has "the same comfort as Mercedes."
He told Parliament the government is serious about using alternative fuels to fight Delhi's pollution and cut down India's massive ₹22 lakh crore fossil fuel import bill.
Why this matters:
Gadkari highlighted that India relies heavily on imported oil—88% of crude and over half its natural gas.
Gadkari said the government is focusing on indigenous, pollution-free alternative and bio-fuels to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The push is part of a bigger plan to make the country less dependent on expensive imports while tackling air quality issues.
Big moves in green transport:
India now boasts the world's third-largest auto industry. Gadkari launched "hydrogen highways" with 37 trucks running on green fuel across 10 routes.
The government also set up a ₹500 crore fund to help carmakers and energy companies get onboard.
What's next?
The hydrogen highway project will add nine refueling stations along key freight routes.