India may soon get its first electric highway between Delhi, Mumbai

The Indian government is planning to build an electric highway between Delhi and Mumbai, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has revealed. For those who are unaware, an electric highway generally refers to a road which supplies power to vehicles travelling on it, through overhead power lines. Gadkari aims to run trolleytrucks similar to a trolleybus on the electric highways in order to reduce pollution and boost efficiency. The road transport and highways minister revealed the plan while speaking at an event.

Addressing an event organised by the Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association, Nitin Gadkari said the government is constructing tunnels worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore. "Our planning is to make electric highway from Delhi to Mumbai. Just like trolleybus, you can run trolleytrucks also," he said, without providing more details. He also urged heavy vehicle owners to use alternative fuels like ethanol, methanol and green hydrogen in order to curb pollution.

Gadkari further said his ministry has taken a decision to connect all districts by four-lane roads.
Noting that pollution is a big concern, Gadkari said, "I request heavy vehicle owners to use alternative fuel like ethanol, methanol and green hydrogen as they are cost effective and import substitutes." The minister admitted that heavy vehicle owners are facing problems because of corruption in state Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

"So, we have to digitise all services provided by RTOs," he added.

The minister said his aim is to reduce road accidents and deaths. Observing that there is need to be cautious about road safety, he said "we need trained drivers". The minister added that as a fast growing economy, India needs all kinds of transportation.

Gadkari also said logistics cost in India is high compared to that in China, European Union and the US. 

(With inputs from PTI)