Pune: India Can Lead Global Auto Industry In 5–6 Years, Says Nitin Gadkari

Pune, August 12, 2025: “Given the rapid advancements in the automotive manufacturing, research, and design sectors, India has the potential to claim the top spot globally in the auto sector in the next 5-6 years”, said Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. 

Gadkari was speaking as the chief guest at a special event organized by Praj Industries on World Biofuel Day at Hotel JW Marriott on Senapati Bapat Road. During this special program that was organized to mark the World Biofuel Day, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari announced ‘Praj BioVerse, a moment related to bio economy ’.  Secondly, a book titled ‘Horizons Beyond Dreams… As Is What Is’ which is based on Dr. Pramod  Chaudhari’s inspiring journey was also unveiled on the occasion.

Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Dr Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries, Vikram Gulati, VP, Toyota Kirloskar Motors , Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director Operations of Hero Motocorp, Sanjay Kirloskar, MD, Kirloskar Brothers, Vishal Soni, CEO, Vishwakarma Publications and Atul Mulay, President Bio-Energy Praj were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Gadkari said, “India’s automotive industry is a vast ecosystem worth around ₹12 lakh crore, highest GST contributor, providing employment to 4.5 crore people and contributing significantly to exports. However, the industry also has some negative aspects, with vehicular emissions accounting for 40% of air pollution. Therefore, it is essential to develop and promote clean and pollution-free fuel alternatives to fossil fuels. The work done by Dr. Pramod Chaudhari and his team at Praj Industries in this regard is commendable.”

He further added, “Today, there is an imbalance in the rural economy, with agriculture contributing only 12% to 14% of the GDP, yet 65% of the population still depends on agriculture and agro-based industries. The service sector’s share is increasing, but to strike a balance, alternative fuel sources are necessary. These sources will strengthen agriculture and enable farmers to become fuel producers, not just food producers. The automotive industry needs to develop vehicles that can run on alternative fuels, especially biofuel, which will also boost the rural economy.”

While I am known for building roads, my six doctorates are related to my work in the agricultural sector. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for the automotive industry to collaborate with agriculture. If ethanol, hydrogen, and bamboo become the focus of our research, innovations, and startups as new fuel sources, we can realize the dream of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Gadkari added.

Gadkari further noted that India has seen a rise in food production, but storage space is becoming insufficient. A few years ago, we began producing ethanol from corn, which led to an increase in corn prices, benefiting farmers in Bihar. Similarly, producing ethanol from other grains could greatly benefit farmers. Gadkari also highlighted the potential of cultivating bamboo on wasteland to produce ethanol, which could help reduce pollution and create significant employment opportunities.

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman of Praj Industries, introduced the “Praj BioVerse” initiative, describing it as a movement that brings together the entire bio-economy ecosystem. This initiative aims to unite various stakeholders, promote innovation, provide mutual support, inspire each other, and facilitate knowledge sharing. By working together, they hope to explore new horizons for sustainable development globally.

Other dignitaries, including Sanjay Kirloskar, Vikram Gulati, Vikram Kasbekar, and Vishal Soni, also shared their thoughts. Atul Mulay expressed the vote of thanks and Chaitanya Rathi anchored the program.

Photo Captions

Photo 1 – On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, the book ‘Horizons Beyond Dreams… As Is Where Is, written by Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, was released at the hands of Nitin Gadkari in the presence of dignitaries at Hotel JW Marriott on Senapati Bapat Road. In the photo (from left), Vishal Soni, Sanjay Kirloskar, Parth Chaudhari, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Nitin Gadkari, Parimal Chaudhari, Vikram Gulati, Vikram Kasbekar, and Atul Mulay.

Photo 2 – On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, a special program was organized by Praj Industries, where a Hero Moto Corp’s HF Deluxe bike running on 100% biofuel was showcased. At the program held at Hotel JW Marriott on Senapati Bapat Road, in the photo (from left) Atul Mulay, Dr. Tushar Patil, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Vikram Kasbekar, and Nitin Gadkari are seen with the bike.

Photo 3 – On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, a special program was organized by Praj Industries, where a 100% biofuel-powered genset developed by Kirloskar Oil Engines was showcased. In the photo (from left), ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, and Nitin Gadkari.

Photo 4 – On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, the book ‘Horizons Beyond Dreams… As Is Where Is’ written by Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, was released in the presence of dignitaries at Hotel JW Marriott on Senapati Bapat Road. In the photo, there is a moment between Dr. Pramod Chaudhari and Nitin Gadkari.