Target to bring India’s logistic cost to single digits by December 2026 – Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Sh. Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated India’s first commercial Electric Truck Battery Swapping cum Charging Station built by Energy in Motion at Delhi International Cargo Terminal Private Limited (DICT) in village Panchi Gujran, Sonipat district. Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Sh. H. D. Kumaraswamy was also present on the occasion.

Calling this initiative by Energy in Motion historic, Sh. Gadkari said that India spends nearly Rs. 25 lakh crore annually on fuel imports. If we save this money by using alternative energy, it will be invested in India’s development and help us move faster towards the dream of a developed India.

Sh. Gadkari said that special focus is being laid on reducing the country’s logistic cost. The government’s target is to bring it down to single digits (below 9 percent) by December 2026. To achieve this, the highway network is being strengthened and multi-modal infrastructure is being developed by integrating waterways, rail and road transport. Lower logistic cost will not only benefit traders and industrialists but also reduce the transportation cost of farmers’ produce, he added.

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Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to establish India as a Green Energy Hub, Sh. Gadkari emphasised agricultural-based energy production and said that recently, the government permitted production of ethanol from maize. As a result, the demand for maize has increased and its price has risen from Rs. 1,200 per quintal to Rs. 2,800 per quintal.

Prosperous villages and farmers will make India self-reliant

Sh. Gadkari said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the government aims to make farmers not only providers of food but also producers of energy. The true strength of India’s economy lies in its villages and farmers. If the villages prosper, India will naturally become self-reliant.

He further said that to enhance farmers’ income, the government is promoting agri-based industries, bio-fuel production, and alternative energy sectors. Projects on ethanol, bio-CNG, bio-LNG, and green hydrogen are being implemented across the country to directly benefit farmers. A plan is being implemented to produce bio-fuel from sugarcane, paddy straw, and other crop residues, which will not only increase farmers’ income but also help tackle issues such as stubble burning, he added.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Sh. H. D. Kumaraswamy said that India is moving rapidly towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Currently, heavy vehicles play a significant role in transporting goods along with railways. If we manufacture heavy vehicles powered by bio-fuel instead of diesel using new technologies, it will not only reduce logistic costs but also curb pollution. The future of the world lies in bio-fuel rather than diesel and petrol.

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He further highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the Central Government has implemented the PM E-Drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across various categories, build a robust EV-charging infrastructure, and develop a strong domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.