36 Green Expressways Set to Cut Logistics Costs, Transform Economy: Gadkari

New Delhi, Apr 30 (KNN) As many as 36 green express highways are under development which once completed would change the economic scenario of logistic cost in the country, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.

Speaking at the 57th EEPC India National Awards in New Delhi, Gadkari said that the Mumbai-Delhi green expressway once fully operational would reduce car journeys to 12 hours, and trucks would take 16-18 hours as compared to 47 hours now.

"Now the Delhi-Dehradun expressway has been opened. It now takes only two hours (by car) to travel between two cities. Previously, it used to take 8-9 hours," he said.

Gadkari highlighted the critical role of the engineering sector in strengthening India’s economic foundation. He emphasised the importance of infrastructure development, technological innovation, and sustainable practices in enhancing India’s global competitiveness.

"Earlier, logistics costs in India were as high as 16% (of GDP), compared to around 18% in China and about 12% in America and Europe. But research and surveys conducted six months ago by IIT Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Chennai indicated that the reduction in road infrastructure has decreased by 6%, bringing it down to 10%. But this report was done six months ago. I am confident that the pace at which we are developing road infrastructure, the logistics cost will come down to 9%," the Union Minister said.

Highlighting the industrial progress in the country, Gadkari noted that the Indian auto sector surpassed Japan about 6-8 months back and now it ranks in third position in the world.

"The way our industry is marching towards alternative fuel and biofuel, 100%, we are going to be number one in the world. So, the mission is that within 5 years, we want to take our country to number one, and this industry is the heart of our economy," he said.

He also underscored the importance of alternative fuel and urged the industry to use electric trucks to move their goods from factories to ports.

In his address at the event, EEPC India Chairman Pankaj Chadha highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Indian engineering exporters. He noted that despite global challenges such as disruptions in key sea routes and geopolitical tensions in regions like West Asia, the sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and sustained growth.

As per the quick estimates of the government, engineering was the largest component of merchandise exports in the financial year 2026, with its share standing at 27.71%.

"Despite multiple external challenges, including the West Asia conflict and trade disruptions on key sea routes, India's total engineering goods exports hit an all-time high of US$122.43 billion, up 4.86% year-on-year," EEPC India said in its statement.

(KNN Bureau)