Nitin Gadkari Proposes Innovative Flying Buses to Transform Urban Mobility
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce flying buses as part of an electric mass rapid transport system aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in India's growing cities. During the inauguration of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, he also addressed criticisms surrounding E20 petrol, challenging detractors to identify any vehicles that have experienced issues with the fuel. Gadkari emphasized the need for alternative fuels and highlighted India's achievements in blending ethanol into petrol to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative approach could significantly transform urban transportation in the country.
Jul 15, 2026, 19:00 IST
Introduction of Flying Buses
While Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, is at the center of discussions regarding ethanol-blended petrol, he has initiated work on a groundbreaking idea aimed at revolutionizing mobility in India. This new concept involves the introduction of 'flying buses' for urban areas. During the inauguration ceremony of the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, Gadkari announced plans to launch these flying buses as part of an electric mass rapid transport system to tackle traffic congestion in rapidly growing cities. In his address, he stated, "I will soon be introducing flying buses. I have already brought in seaplanes that can land on water, and I personally landed one in the sea. Under my ministry, I will develop an electric mass rapid transport system that will transport people from one corner to another so swiftly that they won't even realize how quickly they have reached their destination.
Gadkari's Response to E20 Petrol Controversy
Addressing Criticism of E20 Petrol
In light of the ongoing criticism regarding the implementation of E20 petrol (which contains 20% ethanol), and complaints that it reduces fuel efficiency, Gadkari challenged critics last week to name a single vehicle that has faced issues due to this fuel. Speaking at the Developed India Conclave, he emphasized that India's reliance on fossil fuels poses both economic and environmental challenges, revealing that the country spends approximately ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports. He asserted that there have been no reported problems with any car using E20 petrol, asking, "Is there a single car in the country that has faced issues due to E20 petrol? Just name one.
Advancements in Clean Mobility
Efforts to Reduce Oil Imports and Carbon Emissions
To decrease crude oil imports and carbon emissions, India has successfully achieved its goal of blending 20% ethanol made from biomass such as sugarcane, corn, and rice into petrol. Highlighting the importance of hydrogen as a key technology for clean mobility, Gadkari mentioned that he personally uses several alternative fuel vehicles and encouraged the public to experience this technology firsthand.