Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said on Tuesday that optimizing fuel and road expenses could lower India’s logistics cost to nine percent within two years.
Addressing the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur, Gadkari emphasized that such measures would bolster Rajasthan’s export competitiveness. “By reducing logistics costs from 16 percent to 9 percent, Rajasthan can bridge the 7 percent gap, making the state a strong player in the export market”.
He underlined the necessity of focusing on four critical sectors—water, power, transport, and communication—to achieve India’s vision of becoming self-reliant and the third-largest global economy. “These infrastructures are the foundation for economic growth. They attract capital investment, boost industry and trade, generate employment, and improve per capita income, ultimately reducing poverty. For India to emerge as a global leader, our states must become economically robust and capable,” Gadkari added.
The minister also advocated for the adoption of ethanol as an alternative fuel, highlighting its benefits for farmers. “Encourage the use of ethanol over petrol. Farmers in Rajasthan can produce ethanol from crops like maize, sorghum, millet, or even spoiled grains. Vehicles running on ethanol will enhance farmers’ prosperity and contribute to the local economy,” he said.
(With inputs from ANI)