“The world wants to deal with India,” said Mr. Nitin Gadkari at Economic Times Supply Chain Management & Logistics Summit 2023

“We have received proposals from Indian as well as global companies for introducing electric cable-buses in the country,” said Mr. Gadkari, in his Chief Guest Address: India’s Decade-Trusted Trade Partner for World in Global Supply Chains

Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Honourable Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, yesterday graced the 10th edition of the “Supply Chain and Management and Logistics Summit 2023” organized by ET Edge. He shared his thoughts and provided unique insights by taking to the podium. He touched on a wide range of topics, such as trade, logistics, water transportation, and green highways, to name a few.

Taking centerstage, he mentioned the steps India needs to take to achieve the target of a $5 trillion economy.

“India is the fastest growing economy in the world. To reach the goal of a $5 trillion economy, we have to reduce our imports and increase our exports,” said Gadkari.

The minister praised the Indian automobile industry, especially the two-wheeler sector, for growing at a rapid pace. He emphasized the need for innovation and praised India for encouraging novel technologies. While speaking on logistics, he pointed out that India’s logistics costs are 14-16 percent, compared to other global economies.

Logistics costs need to be lessened, and this can be done by addressing the two essential aspects i.e., fuel and road, remarked Gadkari, and additionally informed the audience that the government aims to reduce the expenditure to 9 percent by 2030.

Regarding infrastructure development, Gadkari commented, “We are developing the waterways and encouraging water transportation across the country. We are making 36 economic corridors and green express highways across the country. Around 6 tunnels, in addition to Atal tunnels, are in the pipeline.”

Mr. Gadkari requested Indian citizens to avoid diesel and instead opt for gas. He stated that India needs to steer towards a “gas economy”, and that approximately 28 projects for bio-CNG and petroleum-LNG have been successfully completed.

Further, he highlighted the importance of adopting EVs and how they are economically feasible for consumers. “We have received proposals from Indian as well as global companies for introducing electric cable-buses in the country,” Gadkari added.

Lastly, he urged Indian leaders and policymakers to proactively lead the way in developing the country and remarked that India is increasing its global influence progressively.

Technology and governance are critical in transforming the way we deliver education. Skill development is an important aspect of the same. The GOI views skill development as essential for a better tomorrow.