India is on the brink of a mass mobility revolution, and leading this transformation is Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. In a recent interview with PTI, Gadkari laid out an ambitious blueprint for the future of Indian transportation, aiming to completely reimagine the way the country travels — from metro cities to remote mountainous terrains.
At the heart of this plan is the integration of cutting-edge transportation technologies. The government is aggressively pushing projects like hyperloop systems in urban areas, electric mass rapid transport networks, and ropeways, cable cars, and funicular railways in hilly and inaccessible regions.
According to Gadkari, “We are driving innovation. A revolution in mass mobility is underway.” His ministry is currently working on 360 such mobility projects across India. Construction has already begun on 60 ropeway and cable car systems, including critical routes like the pilgrimage circuit in Kedarnath.
What makes this roadmap truly visionary is its blend of sustainability and innovation. Apart from expanding the physical infrastructure, the ministry is also looking at eco-conscious elements like a “tree bank,” where every tree cut for road projects will be compensated by planting and maintaining new trees. Similarly, the rise of flex-fuel engines — compatible with alternative fuels like ethanol — aligns with the country’s green mobility targets.
Electric mobility is another major focus. Gadkari emphasized that an electric mass transport network is in development along major routes to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut emissions. This is especially relevant as India looks to meet its climate commitments.
Unlike earlier transport reforms that mostly benefited urban hubs, Gadkari’s plan puts rural and remote areas on the fast track. From cable buses to ropeways in hilly regions, the idea is to make transport not just faster, but accessible to every Indian, regardless of geography.
Road construction is also expected to be scaled up to 100 km per day, which would significantly reduce commute time, promote regional trade, and increase connectivity.
India’s transport sector is clearly gearing up for a major leap, and if Gadkari’s plans are executed effectively, the coming decade could truly redefine what “mass mobility” means for the world’s most populous democracy.
