Besides, the Centre is ready to offer technology to convert municipal and other waste into bio CNG which could power 1,000 buses, he said, calling upon investors from China to from joint ventures with companies here for manufacturing electric vehicles like autorickshaws under 'Make in India' initiative.
"Pollution is a serious problem and the government is committed to address it. Diesel and petroleum pollution are major factors behind Delhi's problem.
He said the supply could be made at cheaper rates than diesel and some 30,000 litres were already being supplied in some areas in Maharashtra.
Also, the Minister said lakhs of tonnes of vegetables and fruits perish in Delhi's Azadpur Mandi which could be converted into bio-fuel besides municipal waste etc.
More From This Section
"We are formulating a policy to create biofuel through waste with Agriculture Ministry," he said, adding that this will prove a boon for farmers who can make bio-fuel like ethanol through products like sugar.
The Minister urged Chinese investors present during the EV-Expo to form joint venture with Indian companies to manufacture electric vehicles like E-rickshaws and E-carts.
"China has done lot of research in the field of electric battery and instead of imports from there, the investors can join hands with Indian companies to manufacture the vehicles here. Come to India," the Minister said, adding that this could create huge jobs in the country.
Gadkari said lithium ion battery for vehicles has been made by ISRO scientist and costs barely up to Rs 6 lakh in comparison to the imported Rs 55 lakh batteries.
The Minister said one electric bus has already been gifted by the Ministry to Lok Sabha Speaker to ferry MPs while another one will be gifted to Supreme Court and one will be retained by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry.
Also, flex fuel policy will be announced before January
26, Gadkari said, adding that after E-rickshaw, the government will ensure conversion of auto-rickshaws into electric rickshaws.
Gadkari warned local manufactures against any compromise on quality or standard of e-rickshaw and e-carts, saying that government will not hesitate in taking tough action against those found guilty of using sub-standard products.
He said government will promote use of E-rickshaw in place of cycle rickshaw on mission mode and Department of Social Welfare and Minorities would be requested to offer financial scheme as the government is committed to eradicate exploitation of poor.
"Inhuman practice of human beings pulling another human being should be stopped. The e-rickshaws will play an important role in utilizing energy for carrying passengers and goods instead of the degrading practice of using physical human labour," he said.
More than 100 Indian and international E-Vehicle companies are showcasing their products.
The companies include Altius Techonologies, OK Play, Soni Electric, Lohia Auto, Base corporation, Kinetic, Sarathi, Victory Electric, Nanya, Goenka, Mayuri, Mini Metro, Thukral electric bikes and Hitek.
China has the highest number of 22 companies showcasing their E-Vehicle products that include Changzou Yufeng vehicle, China, C Y International, lianyugang Yudi Ind, Qiangshang, China, Jiangxi Leek Vehicle Co, Jiangsu Yang deyi vehicle.