India's transport minister declares no future for petrol and diesel in public transport
By Eve
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told the Busworld India 2026 summit that fossil fuels have no future in India's public transport, urging manufacturers and fleet operators to shift to hydrogen, ethanol, CNG, LNG and electric powertrains. The ministry has launched pilot projects on 10 routes running hydrogen trucks and buses, with Tata Motors, Volvo, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra and Mahindra involved in hydrogen fuel trials. Gadkari cited rising air pollution and India's heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports as key drivers for the transition.
Why it matters: The ministerial statement signals a firm policy direction that will shape procurement specifications and fleet electrification tenders across India's public transport sector. Operators and charging infrastructure providers should prepare for accelerated demand as OEMs pivot away from diesel and petrol platforms in response to government pressure.