By Samannay Biswas
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a visionary plan to revolutionise India鈥檚 transport infrastructure with an array of futuristic mobility solutions鈥攆rom electric rapid mass transit systems and hyperloop corridors in cities, to ropeways and cable cars in remote terrains. Speaking to news agency PTI, Gadkari said the government is committed to curbing pollution, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing regional connectivity, while creating world-class infrastructure powered by green technologies. 鈥淲e are driving innovation. A revolution in mass mobility is underway,鈥 Gadkari said, highlighting the pivotal role of technology, sustainability, and accessibility in reshaping India鈥檚 transport future. What鈥檚 in the Mobility Roadmap? Electric Buses & High-Speed Public Transit: Gadkari confirmed that 135-seater electric buses are being tested in Nagpur, capable of speeds of 120鈥125 km/hr and fast-charging in 30鈥40 minutes. These premium e-buses, with AC and aircraft-style seating, will soon operate on key intercity routes such as Delhi-Jaipur and Mumbai-Pune. Urban Hyperloop and Pod Taxi Projects: Pilot initiatives like hyperloops, Metrino pod taxis, and pillar-based transport are on the cards for Delhi and Bengaluru, aiming to introduce high-efficiency, low-emission alternatives to metro systems. Ropeways and Funicular Railways: The ministry is working on 360 ropeway and funicular railway projects, with 60 already underway. These systems are crucial for hill regions like Kedarnath, providing safe, all-weather mobility in tough terrains. Road Infrastructure Expansion: India鈥檚 national highway network has grown from 91,287 km in 2013-14 to 1,46,204 km in 2025, Gadkari stated. The aim is to build 100 km of highways per day, with 25,000 km of two-lane roads set for four-lane upgrades. High-speed corridors have also surged from 93 km in 2014 to 2,474 km currently. Smart Construction & Greening Initiatives: Gadkari stressed the adoption of precast construction, AI-based monitoring, and 3-ft safety barriers for enhanced road quality and safety. The government plans to plant 20鈥25 crore trees along highways and is working with the environment ministry on a 鈥渢ree bank鈥 proposal. Green Energy and Flex-Fuel Push To reduce fossil fuel dependency, the transport ministry is promoting flex-fuel vehicles鈥攃ars that can run on ethanol and methanol blends. Eleven manufacturers, including Tata, Toyota, Hyundai, and Mahindra, have committed to this shift. 鈥淚ndia鈥檚 transport sector contributes nearly 40 per cent to air pollution,鈥 Gadkari noted, adding that switching to alternative fuels will cut emissions and lower the 鈧22 lakh crore annual fuel import bill. Gadkari鈥檚 roadmap reflects a comprehensive mobility revolution鈥攐ne that integrates clean energy, smart infrastructure, and inclusive connectivity to support India鈥檚 economic and environmental ambitions. If implemented effectively, the strategy could place India among the global leaders in sustainable transport innovation.