Transport Ministry kicks off 'Go Electric' campaign
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, FEB 20, 2021: THE Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr Nitin Gadkari, launched the ‘Go Electric' campaign on Friday to spread awareness on the benefits of electric mobility and the use of car charging stations in India.
"Electric fuel is a major alternative for fossil fuels which have an import bill of Rs. 8 lakh crore. When compared to conventional fuels the electric fuel has low cost, reduced emissions and it is also indigenous," Mr Gadkari said.
He also advised that electric vehicles should be made compulsory for all government officials in the various ministries and departments.
UrgingMinister of State for Power Mr RK Singh to encourage value addition to carbon dioxide released from thermal power plants, Mr Gadkari also asked the government to encourage adoption of electrical cooking appliances as they are energy efficient and reduce the dependence on gas.
"Why don't we [Central government] provide subsidy on electric cooking appliances? We already provide subsidy on cooking gas," he recommended.
He also spoke about the electrification of public transport and said Delhi alone could save up to Rs. 30 crore per month if even 10,000 electric vehicles were used.
The 'Go Electric' campaign aims to create awareness at pan-India level about cleaner and greener energy sources and is expected to boost the confidence of Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturers.
An exhibition is also being held to display different EVs including e-buses, e-cars, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers apart from available charging options such as fast and slow chargers.
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