Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has emphasized that vehicle scrappage is a crucial aspect of India’s green mobility strategy. He explained that India’s green mobility future relies not only on electric and biofuel vehicles but also on the effective scrapping of old vehicles. Scrapping old vehicles will reduce pollution and provide vital raw materials for the automotive and clean energy industries.
Addressing the 7th Auto Retail Conclave of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), Gadkari emphasized that scrapping enables the recovery of high-quality metals that can be 100% recycled. He believes that this process will lower costs and bolster domestic production capacity.
Gadkari called on both vehicle manufacturers and dealers to view vehicle scrapping as an opportunity. He cited India’s considerable spending on fossil fuel imports, which is approximately ₹22 lakh crore annually, and stated that a combined approach of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and vehicle scrapping is necessary to reduce this cost.
Furthermore, he indicated that the demand for electric vehicle production and emerging battery technologies, such as sodium and aluminum batteries, will increase significantly. The essential minerals needed for these batteries can be sourced in large quantities through vehicle scrapping. Gadkari added that the government is actively working on a professional policy to ensure the effective utilization of raw materials obtained from the scrapping process.
Gadkari also communicated to the industry that scrapping offers manufacturers advantages in the domestic market and enhances export prospects. He specifically urged dealers to participate in vehicle scrapping, highlighting its potential to generate a new, substantial market.
This highlights the significance of the scrapping policy in advancing green mobility in India. The joint efforts of dealers and manufacturers are expected to benefit the industry, contributing to a self-reliant and environmentally conscious future for the country.