By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 12, 2025: UNION Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav addressed High-Level Roundtable on the Future of Mobility, today at the World Government Summit, 2025 in Dubai. Referring to 'Mobility' as the lifeline of a nation's economy, including India, the Minister informed the gathering that over the past year the industry has witnessed an impressive 12% growth in India, reinforcing its role as a global innovation and manufacturing hub.

Referring to India's long-term goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070, Yadav stated that India has taken several decisions in this direction that are consistent with its development paradigm. Government of India is taking proactive policy initiatives and developing frameworks to achieve its long-term low carbon development strategy. It outlines key transitions including developing an integrated, inclusive and efficient transport system.

The Minister emphasized that the strategy underscores the need for a coordinated effort from various sectors to decouple economic growth from emissions, while promoting sustainable transportation system.  He further informed that Government of India has introduced a production-linked incentive scheme for the automobile and auto component industry with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,000 crores. This scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products and attract investments in the automotive value chain, he added.

Further, to promote sustainable mobility, Government of India has approved a new electric vehicle policy offering a range of incentives to attract investment from global EV companies and position India as a prime manufacturing hub for state-of-the-art EVs, the Minister stated. To escalate the transition to sustainable transportation, the Government has approved a USD 1.3 billion incentive scheme called PM e-drive. A significant move to enhance urban bus services that the government has approved, the PM e-bus seva scheme aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across the country, he informed.

The Minister also informed about Government's initiatives like National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) and National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which are leading to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas of the country. He stated that with an investment of over Rs. 19,000 crores, NGHM aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production. By 2030, India plans to produce 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, he added.

As far as semiconductors are concerned, recognizing its critical role India has taken several steps to encourage domestic manufacturing of semiconductors in the country. India has SemiCon India programme with a total outlay of Rs. 76,000 crores, for the development of semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in the country. It aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem, the Minister informed.

Concluding his address, Yadav said, "As we stand at the precipice of a transformative era in mobility, a collective vision is required for innovation, partnership, creating smart, resilient, and adaptive mobility solutions. Today's discussions mark the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a future where transportation is not only more efficient and sustainable but also inclusive and accessible to all".