Only Eco-Friendly Vehicles for Public Transport: Gadkari

New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS) The central government on Thursday said that it will take all possible measures to introduce only eco-friendly vehicles for public transport.

The information was given by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who inaugurated the first ever international electric vehicle expo "EV-Expo" being held here.

Speaking after the inauguration, Gadkari elaborated that as part of its efforts to curb pollution, the government has already taken various steps like including e-vehicles in the Motor Vehicles Act.

"By passing of Motor Vehicles (Amendment Bill, 2015) the road transport and highways ministry have brought e-vehicles - e-carts, e-rickshaws - under the ambit of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988," Gadkari said.

According to the minister, the "EV-Expo" is in line with the government's national electric mobility mission plan (NEMMP) which aims to have 6-7 million electric or hybrid vehicles on the roads by 2020.

"The government has also decided to provide low-interest loan at three percent a year under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana to rickshaw operators belonging to poor, backward, and minority communities to buy e-rickshaws," Gadkari pointed-out.

In addition, the minister cited the government's efforts at skill development for promotion of e-vehicles in the country.

"In next 2-3 years the skill development ministry will provide training to 2 crore drivers to drive e-rickshaws which will provide livelihood to 2 crore families as well," Gadkari added.

The four-day international "EV-EXPO" is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from December 24-27.

The event aims at showcasing the latest technological advancements in environment-friendly electric vehicle, components, services and products for the transportation of passengers and goods.

More than 100 Indian and international e-vehicle companies are showcasing their technologically advanced, pollution free e-rickshaws, e-carts and e-vehicles at the expo.

The event is being attended by over 500 high-level business delegations from China, Germany, Sweden, Japan and other countries.