While addressing a public rally in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the government has set a target of eliminating diesel and petrol vehicles within 10 years.
Government’s Vision for Sustainable Transportation and Infrastructure Development
He said that “I want to eliminate diesel and petrol vehicles from this country within 10 years. Nowadays, electric scooter, car and bus have come. While you spend Rs 100 on diesel, they consume electricity worth Rs 4”.
As shown the data from government’s Vahan portal (a portal that tracks numbers related to vehicles in the country), the nation has already witnessed a rise in adoption of the electric vehicle and there has been a consistent increase in the sales of electric vehicles from April 2023 to April 2024.
Further talking about other avenues of energy, he pointed out that the state of Himachal Pradesh is equipped with the hydro-power capability which could be used to develop better transportation facility in the state.
He said that “I had told Jai Ram Thakur that we will build all ropeways, if you just provide electricity for Rs 3, then we will bring private player (PPP Model) to build the ropeways and cable cars worth 20 thousand crores.”
He further added “I am happy the Bijli Mahadev ropeway has been approved. This is a 2.8 km ropeway and will provide convenience to 40 thousand devotees.
Inaugurated by Gadkari in March 2024, the Bijli Mahadev ropeway will facilitate pilgrims visiting Bijli Mahadev temple temple.
Infrastructure Development and Political Discourse – The Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project
The foundation stone of 2.8-km ropeway leading to the holy Bijli Mahadev temple in Himachal Pradesh will now be accessible now all year round.
The project, which shall be completed by 2026, is estimated to cost over Rs 270 crore.
It is being executed on a design, build, operate, and transfer (hybrid-annuity) basis. Once operational, it will ensure all-weather connectivity for up to 36,000 pilgrims daily.
Reiterating BJP’s promise, Minister said, “In these 10 years, we have not only made promises but have done every work. We want to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy.”
While addressing a rally in Mandi, he urged the crowd to support of BJP Lok Sabha candidate and actress Kangana Ranaut.
Election in Himachal Pradesh is slated for June 1. Notably, the results of the general elections will be declared on June 4, 2024. (ANI)
