In a bid to protect the jobs of drivers in India, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari has reportedly given the statement saying driverless cars will not be allowed in India.
Introduction Of Driverless Car In India
“I will never allow driverless cars to come into India because it will take away the jobs of several drivers and I will not let that happen,” said Gadkari in a media report.
According to Gadkari, if driverless cars are introduced in the country then approximately 70-80 lakh people would lose their jobs instantly, which will again create another significant problem.
Road Safety Is Of Utmost Concern
Moving ahead, Gadkari has talked about a lot of measures taken by the government in order to mitigate road accidents.
This includes changes in automotive engineering for instance addition of six airbags in cars, reducing black spots on roads, and increasing fines through the Electric Motors Act, Gadkari noted while addressing the road safety concerns during the Zero Mile Samvad hosted by IIM Nagpur.
He said, “We have increased fines via the Electric Motors Act, kept ambulances and cranes so that things only become better from here. We also raise awareness every year.”
No More Manufacturing In China & Sale In India
While talking about Tesla’s entry into India, Gadkari noted “ the US car maker is invited to operate in India, but manufacturing in China for sales in India is not permissible.”
Interestingly, this statement comes at a time when Tesla is planning to enter the Indian market as the carmaker prepares to set up a manufacturing unit in India.
On The subject of fuel utilization, Gadkari expressed the importance of hydrogen as the fuel of the future.
Further explained the government’s commitment in adopting advanced technology so that public infrastructure can be improved.
During his earlier speech in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Gadkari has publicly expressed his disapproval of driverless cars in India.
Earlier, he had opposed the introduction of driverless cars in India, expressing concern about potential unemployment during 2019.
He appears to be emphasizing on the need for employment growth, highlighting a shortage of around 22 lakh drivers in India.
According to him, this shortage of drivers could play a crucial role in overcoming unemployment challenges in the country.
Before this during December 2018, Gadkari has again reportedly said that driverless cars would not be allowed in India.
Then he said, “Presently, there are 30 lakh people who are getting employment (through the automobile industries). And in our economy, the most important thing is how to create more employment potential as our country’s population is very high.”
Prior to this he mentioned that “driverless cars were not a necessity in India at that time. The need of the hour was electric vehicles that were less polluting and more energy-efficient than cars running on conventional fossil fuels,” in 2017.
