In a recent address during the Zero Mile Samvad at IIM Nagpur, Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, shed light on the country’s road safety concerns and the government’s initiatives to address them. Among the key points discussed were the incorporation of advanced safety features in cars, reduction of road black spots, and the implementation of stricter fines under the Electric Motors Act to enhance road safety.
A notable highlight of Gadkari’s address was his firm stance against the introduction of driverless cars in India. Expressing concern over potential job losses for drivers, he stated, “I will not allow driverless cars to come to India as it would result in the take away of jobs for numerous drivers.” This decision aligns with the government’s commitment to safeguard employment opportunities in the automotive sector.
During the event, Gadkari emphasized the strides made in automobile engineering, specifically mentioning the integration of six airbags in cars as part of enhanced safety measures. This move reflects the government’s dedication to adopting advanced technologies to make Indian roads safer for all.
Despite expressing openness to Tesla entering the Indian market, Gadkari stressed that it is not acceptable for the company to manufacture vehicles in China and sell them in India. This position underscores the government’s focus on promoting domestic manufacturing and ensuring that foreign companies contribute to the growth of the Indian economy.
In addition to rejecting driverless cars, Gadkari highlighted the potential of hydrogen as a futuristic fuel. He reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance public infrastructure, stating, “We are working towards bringing the best technology to help in enhancing the public infrastructure.”
As India continues to grapple with road safety challenges, Gadkari’s comprehensive approach to addressing concerns and his commitment to job preservation in the automotive sector mark significant steps toward creating safer roads for the nation.
