India to Develop 100% Ethanol Flex-Fuel Engines, Gadkari Announces

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced that India is developing 100% ethanol flex-fuel engines. This will be able to operate entirely on ethanol or E100. The development comes after the government introduced E20 petrol for cars.

And Gadkari emphasized the potential of ethanol to boost farmers' earnings while helping India cut its reliance on imported petroleum.

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Gadkari was speaking at an event after inaugurating Madhya Pradesh's new public bus service along with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. "Today, the farmer is not only our 'anna data' (food provider) but also our 'urja data' (energy provider)," Gadkari said, highlighting the importance of ethanol production.

Gadkari said flex-fuel engines that can operate entirely on ethanol were being developed. And that vehicles equipped with the technology would be brought in. He also emphasized the need for cleaner modes of public transport, particularly for people from poorer sections of society.

Gadkari said the newly launched bus service in Madhya Pradesh was intended to offer safer, affordable and accountable transport. He also highlighted the potential of the government's PM e-Bus Sewa scheme to create employment opportunities. With 972 buses already sanctioned under the scheme.

Gadkari said the transport sector was responsible for around 40% of the country's air pollution. And that he had taken responsibility for tackling the issue. He also emphasized the need for greater use of public transport across India.

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With the government aiming to support the manufacture of two lakh buses over three years.

According to Gadkari, these initiatives could provide farmers with an additional source of income while also helping lower imports and pollution. "These small decisions have created four crore jobs," he said, adding that four crore drivers had secured employment, including 1.2 crore through cars, 55 lakh through autorickshaws and 2.5 crore through two-wheelers.