Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that there should be no toll plaza within 60 km on National Highways and if there is a second toll plaza, then it will be shut down in next 3 months.
"I will ensure that there will be only one toll plaza within 60 kms and if there is a second toll plaza, then it will be shut in next three months. I will ensure that the norms are fully implemented in the next three months, " he said, replying to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants pertaining to his ministry.
Referring to the points raised by members, Gadkari said people residing near the toll plazas woll be able to get passes with the use of Aadhaar Cards.
Cost Of EVs To Be At Par With Petrol-Run Vehicles In 2 Years: Nitin Gadkari
The Road and Transport Minister also said rapid strides in technology and green fuel will reduce the cost of electric automobiles, bringing them at par with petrol-run vehicles in the next two years.
Replying in the Lok Sabha on the Demands for Grants for Road Transport and Highways Ministry, 2022-23, Gadkari emphasised the need to shift to cost-effective indigenous fuel and hoped that this fuel will be a reality soon, bringing the pollution levels down and improving the overall situation in Delhi.
Urging MPs to adopt hydrogen technologies for transport, Gadkari asked them to take initiative in their respective districts for converting sewage water to produce green hydrogen.
Hydrogen will soon be the cheapest fuel alternative, he said.
"I can say within maximum two years, the cost of electric scooter, car, autoricksahw will be same as petrol-driven scooter, car, autorickshaw. Prices of lithium-ion battery are coming down. We are developing this chemistry of zinc-ion, aluminium-ion, sodium-ion batteries. If petrol, you are spending Rs 100, then on electric vehicle you will spend Rs 10 (for using)," Gadkari said.
6 Airbags Mandatory For Vehicles Carrying Up To 8 Passengers
Gadkari also said, "We've made it mandatory that every car carrying upto 8 passengers should have 6 airbags. The automobile industry complained of increased expenses, but, we won't patronise the affluent at the cost of poor consumers' lives."
(With PTI Inputs)