Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday that India was poised to become the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world and foreseen robust traction for the growth of the electric auto industry. The тВ╣7.5 lakh-crore automobile industry has the potential to expand to a тВ╣50 lakh crore market..
He was speaking in Mumbai after unveiling the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship car in the majestic backdrop of the Gateway of India, that would fire on the roads of Hyderabad in February.
Mr. Gadkari also spent the day earlier at the Auto Expo and said was amazed at the rapid strides made by Indian automakers in the electric space.
тАЬIndia has the potential to become a world leader in automobile manufacturing. Now, we are in the third position, after China and the U.S.. Soon, we will be in the first position,тАЭ he said.
тАЬEvery expressway in India is capable of having such races. By the end of 2024, we will make road standards on par with the U.S. Our highways are open for such racing,тАЭ the Union Minister said.
While Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Mumbai was the countryтАЩs pride and such Formula races should also be hosted in the State. тАЬNow we have Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg between Nagpur and Mumbai. We can host Formula racing on this expressway and several other places in Maharashtra,тАЭ he said.
тАЬWe should be your next host,тАЭ he told the organisers of Formula E.
Earlier, Telangana IT and Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao showcased HyderabadтАЩs potentiality in organising the Formula E race and welcomed Mumbaikars to witness the breathtaking car race beginning February 5 and continuing through February 11. He thanked the Chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra for extending all the support.
тАЬThe dream to host this race has been cherished for a long time, and IтАЩm proud that Telangana is hosting it. But this is an achievement for the country, and IтАЩm proud of it,тАЭ Mr. Rao said, adding that Telangana would be hosting the Formula E race for the next four years.