Can India Become the Leading Automobile Manufacturing Nation in 5 Years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is now the third-largest automobile market.
- The government targets the top position in five years.
- Over 50 percent of two-wheeler production is exported.
- Investments in green mobility are significant.
- India has the second-largest road network globally.
New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) India has officially outpaced Japan to establish itself as the third-largest automobile market in the world. The government has set its sights on achieving the top position within the next five years, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari.
At the ‘International Value Summit 2025’, the minister revealed a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming India into the global hub for automobile manufacturing, green mobility, and infrastructure innovation. He noted that all leading international automobile brands have now established a presence in India.
"Their attention has moved from simply assembling vehicles to exporting them from India to global markets," Gadkari remarked.
He underscored the fact that India’s two-wheeler industry alone exports more than 50 percent of its production, which highlights the nation’s expanding global influence.
Gadkari also pointed out India’s progress in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and alternative fuels.
"We have already rolled out hydrogen trucks, and pilot initiatives are being conducted across ten routes. Our vision is to lead the world in green mobility," he stated.
With backing from both private and public sectors, the government has allocated Rs 600 crore in grants to expedite hydrogen infrastructure development. He also highlighted innovations in new fuel alternatives such as isobutanol and bio-bitumen, which are currently undergoing trials.
India’s road infrastructure is also witnessing significant upgrades.
"India now boasts the second-largest road network globally. We’ve drastically cut travel times — the journey from Panipat to Delhi Airport now takes only 35 minutes instead of three hours," the minister explained.
Major projects like the Chennai-Bengaluru expressway and the Rs 23,000 crore Bengaluru Ring Road are poised to transform connectivity and alleviate urban congestion, he added.
“We are turning waste into wealth. Over 80 lakh tonnes of waste from the Ghazipur landfill have been utilized in road construction. We’ve already reduced the height of the mountain by seven meters,” he stated.
He cited successful trials of bio-bitumen derived from rice straw, which has demonstrated superior performance compared to petroleum-based bitumen while also helping to mitigate stubble burning.