The central government on Thursday said that it will take all possible measures to introduce only eco-friendly vehicles for public transport.
The information was given by Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who inaugurated the first ever international electric vehicle expo "EV-Expo" being held here.
Speaking after the inauguration, Gadkari elaborated that as part of its efforts to curb pollution, the government has already taken various steps like including e-vehicles in the Motor Vehicles Act.
"By passing of Motor Vehicles (Amendment Bill, 2015) the road transport and highways ministry has brought e-vehicles - e-carts, e-rickshaws - under the ambit of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988," Gadkari said.
According to the minister, the "EV-Expo" is in line with the government's national electric mobility mission plan (NEMMP) which aims to have 6-7 million electric or hybrid vehicles on the roads by 2020.
"The government has also decided to provide low interest loan at three percent a year under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana to rickshaw operators belonging to poor, backward, and minority communities to buy e-rickshaws," Gadkari pointed-out.
In addition, the minister cited the government's efforts at skill development for promotion of e-vehicles in the country.
"In next 2-3 years the skill development ministry will provide training to 2 crore drivers to drive e-rickshaws which will provide livelihood to 2 crore families as well," Gadkari added.
The four-day international "EV-EXPO" is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from December 24-27.
The event aims at showcasing the latest technological advancements in environment friendly electric vehicle, components, services and products for the transportation of passengers and goods.
More than 100 Indian and international e-vehicle companies are showcasing their technologically advanced, pollution free e-rickshaws, e-carts and e-vehicles at the expo.
The event is being attended by over 500 high level business delegations from China, Germany, Sweden, Japan and other countries.
