The central government on Thursday said that it will take all possible measures to introduce only eco-friendly vehicles for public transport.The information was given by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who inaugurated the first ever international electric vehicle expo "EV-Expo" being held here. Speaking after the inauguration, Gadkari elaborated that as part of its efforts to curb pollution, the government has already taken various steps like including e-vehicles in the Motor Vehicles Act. "By passing of Motor Vehicles (Amendment Bill, 2015) the road transport and highways ministry has brought e-vehicles - e-carts, e-rickshaws - under the ambit of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988," Gadkari said.According to the minister, the "EV-Expo" is in line with the government's national electric mobility mission plan (NEMMP) which aims to have 6-7 million electric or hybrid vehicles on the roads by 2020.
"The government has also decided to provide low interest loan at three percent a year under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana to rickshaw operators belonging to poor, backward, and minority communities to buy e-rickshaws," Gadkari pointed-out.In addition, the minister cited the government's efforts at skill development for promotion of e-vehicles in the country."In next 2-3 years the skill development ministry will provide training to 2 crore drivers to drive e-rickshaws which will provide livelihood to 2 crore families as well," Gadkari added.The four-day international "EV-EXPO" is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from December 24-27.
The event aims at showcasing the latest technological advancements in environment friendly electric vehicle, components, services and products for the transportation of passengers and goods.More than 100 Indian and international e-vehicle companies are showcasing their technologically advanced, pollution free e-rickshaws, e-carts and e-vehicles at the expo. The event is being attended by over 500 high level business delegations from China, Germany, Sweden, Japan and other countries.