At the 65th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), industry leaders and policymakers discussed the critical role of sustainable mobility in achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
In his special message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasised the need to achieve true self-reliance across the entire automotive manufacturing value chain. He also said, “As the nation advances towards global leadership in green and smart transportation, opportunities for investment and collaboration are immense.”
Chief Guest Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, outlined the Government’s vision for sustainable transportation, stating, "As world’s 3rd largest automobile industry, India needs to focus on providing comfortable public transportation. We will maintain global alignment on BS7 and CAFE norms to address air pollution issues. In addition, moving to bio fuels helps in reducing India’s crude imports and enhances farmer incomes. More than 3 lakh vehicles have been scrapped following the implementation of the scrappage policy, benefiting industry, government, and environment.
He further stated,” Logistic cost will come down to single digit by year end. Road safety remains crucial. Therefore, public campaigns and NGO engagement is essential to improve human behaviour to prevent accidents. For those aiding road accident victims, Rs. 25,000 will be awarded to ‘Rahaveers’ in addition to providing insurance upto 1.5 Lacs to accident victims.”
Guest of Honour H. D.Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India, highlighted that under the PLI scheme, companies have already invested more than Rs. 29,500 Cr of capital investments and MHI is working closely with all stakeholders including Indian auto industry to meet domestic sustainability goals. He also highlighted that steel industry is looking at developing specialized steel for auto sector to reduce its import dependence.
Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., said, “The Indian automotive industry is fully aligned with the Government’s vision for sustainable, safe, and affordable mobility solutions. The Industry is grateful to the Government of India for landmark decision of reducing the GST rates on vehicles and thanked the Government for initiating the development of Automotive Mission Plan. The industry will work cohesively for our shared objective of Building the Nation, Responsibly. ”
Shenu Agarwal, Vice President, SIAM and Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd., thanked the Government for the conducive ecosystem that has been created for this industry to prosper.