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**New Delhi, April 29, 2026** – In a strong push towards a greener and self-reliant transportation ecosystem, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has categorically stated that petrol and diesel engines have no sustainable future in India.

Speaking at the Busworld India Conclave 2026 on April 28, Gadkari told industry leaders and automakers: “One thing which is very clear… there is no future for diesel and petrol engines.” He urged the sector to accelerate the adoption of cleaner and indigenous energy alternatives, warning that manufacturers who fail to adapt may not have a viable future.

### Why the Shift?
The Minister highlighted two major concerns driving this transition:
– **Energy Security**: India remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil, making the economy vulnerable to global price shocks and geopolitical uncertainties.
– **Environmental Impact**: Vehicular pollution continues to be a significant challenge, particularly in urban areas.

Gadkari emphasised the need for a multi-pronged approach focusing on **biofuels, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), hydrogen, ethanol (including E100 and high-blend variants), hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles (EVs)**. He particularly stressed transforming public transport, especially buses, as a starting point for wider adoption.

### Government Vision and Initiatives
This statement aligns with Gadkari’s long-standing advocacy for reducing fossil fuel dependence. In previous addresses, he has spoken of phasing out conventional vehicles over the next decade, targeting significant milestones around 2034. Key ongoing government measures include:

– Expansion of ethanol blending programmes (moving towards E20 and beyond).
– FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) schemes.
– Vehicle scrappage policies to remove old, polluting diesel and petrol vehicles.
– Promotion of flex-fuel engines and alternative fuels for both private and commercial segments.

The Minister noted that operational costs of cleaner options, such as electric buses, are significantly lower than diesel counterparts, offering both economic and environmental benefits.

### Not an Immediate Ban
Importantly, Gadkari’s remarks outline a long-term policy direction rather than an immediate prohibition. Petrol and diesel vehicles will continue to operate in the near term, supported by existing infrastructure and current manufacturing. However, the clear message to the industry is to invest heavily in future-ready technologies.

The Indian automotive sector has already begun responding with increased launches of hybrid models, electric vehicles, and CNG/LNG variants. Industry bodies are expected to work closely with the government to meet these evolving expectations.

As India aims for net-zero emissions and greater energy independence, Gadkari’s latest comments serve as a strong signal to automakers, investors, and consumers alike: the transition away from traditional internal combustion engines is not just desirable — it is inevitable.