We need an economy that provides jobs, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at ET WLF

At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari set the tone by saying, “We need an economy which will provide employment to people.” He explained, “If jobs increase, per capita rises and leads to eradication of poverty.”

Gadkari also pointed out that India’s economic progress is now being noticed abroad. “I am happy to say that India’s growth is talked around the world,” he said. He described the country as “the fastest growing economy in the world,” and added that this momentum was being powered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Road and transport goals
Looking ahead, Gadkari said, “In five years, India aspires to become number 1 in road and transport industry, driven by renewable energy.” He cited new highways and tunnels that are reshaping travel. Once inaugurated, the Delhi to Dehradun expressway will cut travel time to two hours. In the north, the Atal Tunnel has reduced the Manali to Rohtang Pass journey to just eight minutes.

Cutting logistics costs
Turning to trade and transport efficiency, Gadkari reported progress. “We have seen a 6% drop in logistics cost. By December, our logistics cost will be in single digit,” he said. Lower costs, he added, will make a difference to both businesses and ordinary citizens.

On the issue of urban pollution, Gadkari was direct. “I don’t need to tell Delhi people about pollution. But we are trying to get electric buses,” he said. He revealed that Tata has been awarded the tender for flash-charging buses, with a pilot project starting in Nagpur. Tickets on these buses will be 30% cheaper than those on diesel models.

The Minister also looked further ahead. “Hydrogen is the fuel for the future,” he said, stressing that India must invest in clean technologies to secure sustainable growth.