India Aims To Become Top Auto Market In 7 Years; ‘Technology for Life’ Key To Economic Growth: Gadkari

New Delhi, Apr 10 (KNN) Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said technology-driven transformation will be the cornerstone of India’s future growth, outlining the government’s vision of ‘technology for life’ as a key national priority.

Speaking at the annual conference of the All India Management Association (AIMA), Gadkari emphasised that innovation, research, and adoption of advanced technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s economic trajectory.

"There are many such ideas, and that is why ‘technology for life’ is our vision. It is the biggest asset for the country's future, and it is very much achievable," he said, ANI reported.

Auto Sector Growth and Global Ambition

On the expansion of India’s automobile industry, Gadkari said, “In 2014, the size of our automobile industry was around Rs 7 lakh crore. Today, it has grown to Rs 22 lakh crore.” He added that India recently overtook Japan to become the world’s third-largest automobile market.

With the United States and China currently ahead, the government is now targeting the top position globally within the next seven years.

Jobs, Exports and Economic Impact

The automobile sector currently employs around 4.5 crore people and is a major contributor to GST revenues and exports. 

"If India wants to become a global leader and a strong economy, we must increase automobile exports and aim to become number one globally," Gadkari said.

Push for Efficient Logistics Through Waterways

Highlighting infrastructure reforms, the minister pointed to efforts to promote inland waterways as a cost-effective transport alternative. He noted that logistics costs could be significantly reduced by shifting cargo movement from road and rail to rivers.

Drawing comparisons, he said transporting goods by road costs around Rs 10 per unit, by rail Rs 6, and by waterways just Rs 1. He added that countries such as Germany, France, and Italy have already developed integrated river-port systems linked to container ports.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation

Gadkari also highlighted the use of waste materials in infrastructure projects, noting that steel slag—once considered industrial waste—is now being utilised in road construction following extensive research.

Around 80 lakh tonnes of such waste has been used in major projects, including the Dwarka Expressway, the Mumbai–Delhi highway, and the Ahmedabad–Delhi road.

(KNN Bureau)