Recently, there has been significant controversy surrounding E20 ethanol-blended gasoline, sparking discussions both on the roads and in parliament. Numerous videos have appeared on social media concerning vehicles affected by this fuel, but the situation has now calmed down.
During an event in Delhi, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, once again supported the use of ethanol. He noted that ethanol is used in 19 countries worldwide and that, so far, no complaints from drivers regarding the use of this fuel have been received in India.
Gadkari announced that in October, Toyota plans to introduce a vehicle that runs on 100% flexible fuel. This vehicle will operate on pure ethanol and generate 60% of its electricity while driving. Compared to gasoline prices, the cost of using such a vehicle will be twenty-five rupees per liter, and it will not produce pollution.
The minister also emphasized that the decision to produce ethanol from corn has benefited farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, providing them with an income of 45 thousand crore. He urged the public to support government policies, stating that while some people might criticize a business worth 22 lakh crore if it disappears, the priority is the well-being of the farmers.
The bike-taxi service is actively developing in the country, which is a very affordable option for short trips and is in high demand among the population. Nitin Gadkari appealed to the transport ministers of all states to provide a platform for young and poor boys, as well as for people who use two-wheeled transport.
He explained that such a platform is a good source of income because it only charges twenty-five rupees per month, allowing people to earn when they need a taxi. Such a model could potentially provide employment to 100 million people in India without the need for initial investment. Gadkari added that he had made a note in the documents that any owner of a two- or four-wheeled vehicle can work as a taxi driver. Following his signature, the company Rapido from Bangalore provided jobs to 3.5 crore people.