Addressing KPMG’s Agrasar Bharat Manch on October 23, Gadkari highlighted the importance of futuristic technologies, alternative fuels and infrastructure development in strengthening India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.    The Centre launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023, targeting annual green hydrogen production of at least 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030. The mission also aims to attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore and generate more than 600,000 jobs.    “We are developing futuristic technologies — electric vehicles, alternative and biofuel ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, LNG, and hydrogen,” Gadkari said, emphasising the need for technological innovation and a long-term vision for national development.    He also pointed to the significant reduction in lithium-ion battery costs, noting that prices had fallen from $150 per kilowatt-hour to $50 per kilowatt-hour. According to the minister, advancements in such technologies would play a critical role in shaping the future of energy and transportation.    Gadkari underlined the importance of infrastructure development in achieving India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation, stating that the Narendra Modi-led government had accorded the sector high priority since 2014.     Highlighting the role of maritime infrastructure, he recalled the launch of the Sagarmala programme when he was Union Minister for Shipping and Ports in 2015.    At the time, the ministry had a budget of ₹900 crore, while projects worth ₹16 lakh crore were envisaged by leveraging the economic strength of India’s major ports. The country’s 12 major ports were then generating annual profits of around ₹7,000 crore, he said.    “By using that strength, we have completed projects worth more than ₹13 lakh crore now,” Gadkari said, pointing to the scale of infrastructure development undertaken through the port-led development approach.    The Sagarmala programme seeks to strengthen port infrastructure, improve connectivity and promote industrial development around ports, supporting more efficient movement of cargo and enhancing the competitiveness of Indian trade.    The minister also highlighted improvements in road infrastructure and their impact on logistics efficiency, claiming that India’s logistics costs had declined from 15% to around 9%.    “Today, I can claim that our logistics cost is almost single digit, 9%. This 7% difference is very important for exports and imports. That is going to increase our exports,” he said.    Lower logistics costs are crucial for improving the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and exporters in international markets. Better highways, multimodal connectivity, efficient ports and the adoption of cleaner fuels are expected to play an increasingly important role in reducing transportation costs and supporting industrial growth.  

 Gadkari’s remarks underscored the government’s focus on combining next-generation energy technologies with infrastructure expansion to strengthen India’s position in global manufacturing, logistics and international trade.