Now Ethanol to stabilise Indian economy? Gadkari launches Ethanol-buses in Nagpur

Nagpur, Aug 23: India's first project to test ethanol-run buses may finally take shape as Union Transport Minister

launches ethanol-run environment-friendly buses in Nagpur.

The "Green-Bus" project is the brain child of Gadkari who believes that with the success of the project, India can cope up with the damage caused by a massive Rs 6 lakh crore annual fuel bill.

Using ethanol is expected to reduce the fiscal deficit and fuel imports by Rs. 2 lakh crore. Moreover, ethanol would also be a cheaper fuel, which is priced at Rs 50 a litre.

It would be eco-friendly too. Gadkari said that the CO2 emissions from the bus would be as low as 75 to 90 percent, depending on the purity of Ethanol. Nevertheless, the emissions will be monitored for the next 3 months by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, apart from the state and the Central government.

A proud Gadkari said,"This was my dream. Now I want to ensure that the entire automotive industry moves onto indigenous fuels," Mr Gadkari said. "Ethanol can be produced here in large quantities, and it will reduce our dependence on traditional fossil fuels."

While Gadkari gained accolades for his idea from many quarters, his critics accused him of a hidden agenda of enhancing his private business, involving his share in the Purti group which is a major producer of Ethanol. However the minister discounts the allegations saying,"I am not keen on ethanol because I produce it. I can give ethanol free to the city. So don't say this project is being undertaken to benefit me."

OneIndia News