In a recent address, Union minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari emphasised the need for Pune, Maharashtra’s second-largest city, to transition to ethanol-powered vehicles, including scooters and autorickshaws, as a vital strategy to combat pollution. He stated, “It is my desire that instead of petrol and diesel, all scooters, autorickshaws, and other vehicles should run on ethanol in Pune.” He also said that I have requested Petroleum Minister to grant permission to sugar mills to set up ethanol pumps. This will help farmers prosper, reduce crude oil imports, and make the district pollution-free.
Gadkari, alongside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, was present for the inauguration of several development projects in Pune on September 21. He announced that a significant development initiative is set to commence in Pune district by December, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and sustainability in the region.
As Pune gears up for these transformative changes, the focus on ethanol not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions the city as a leader in sustainable urban mobility.
