Want to Rid Delhi of Traffic and Pollution, Public Transport the Way: Gadkari at News18 Town Hall

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said widespread use of public transport is the way to rid the national capital of traffic and air pollution. Speaking at News18 Delhi Town Hall, Gadkari added that green infrared solutions remain his focus.

We want to free Delhi from traffic and air pollution. We must give importance to public transportation. This will help reduce air pollution. We must prioritize public transportation which is key to renewing green infrastructure,” he said at the event.

“Politics is a tool for reforms. My focus is identifying problems and solutions. Solving infrared is my focus. Bioethanol can be a game-changer,” he added.

Jadkari’s remarks came at a time when several areas of the national capital are witnessing traffic congestion due to waterlogging and road damage.

The first wave of heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc on residential and commercial areas of Delhi last week, with roads flooded and overflow drains creating massive waterlogging.

Air pollution has been another chronic problem for Delhi residents with air quality deteriorating every winter. Delhi was the most polluted city in India in 2022 with PM 2.5 levels more than double the safe limit and the third highest average PM10 concentration, according to an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board data.

Centered around the theme ‘Exploring India’s Path to the 2024 Elections’, the City Council’s primary focus has been on understanding how political parties plan to capture the attention of voters. The discussions revolved around various topics such as policies, data and strategies used by each party.