India works on pre-fabricated construction material
India is well-placed in Hydrogen Cell technology as it can develop cells cheaper than anywhere else, said General (Dr) VK Singh, Minister of State, Road Transport & Highways.
“Manufacturing hydrogen cell is cheaper in India than anywhere else”, he said on 13 Jan 2023 at a conference on ‘Decarbonising Construction: Building a Low Carbon Future’ organised by industry chamber FICCI.
“Our effort is to utilise a combination, whether it is hydrogen cell, alternatives of sodium ion, aluminium ion and zinc, among others, to replace lithium and create an enabling environment for EVs,” said Dr Singh who is also Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
India is also working on having pre-fabricated construction materials except for making foundations for bridges and other things.
“This will lead to the sustainable development of road infrastructure,” he added.
Pre-fabricated material ensures lesser pollution and optimal use of other raw materials. “There is much more emphasis coming in,” he said, adding, “the day is not far when we will be able to make road surfaces with pre-fab things that come from the factory and just be laid.”
Addressing the gathering of industry persons and other stakeholders, the Minister also outlined numerous efforts taken by the government on decarbonising.
These included the adoption of alternative and flex fuels, green highways, airports running on renewable energy, hydrogen cell technology, a conducive policy environment for electric vehicles and PM GatiShakti Masterplan.
Speaking on green highways, Minister Gen. Singh underscored that the emphasis is on using indigenous varieties of plants – Neem, Peepal, and Banyan, among others, on either side of the expressways and highways.
He added that more than 5,000 km of plantations are already developed, an investment of Rs.650 crores.
In addition, he informed that the government is co-opting the local population in managing these plants.
“We also entered into an agreement with self-help groups which can look after these plantations to ensure that plants survive and add to the decarbonisation efforts that we are making.”
The Minister also called for collective action in decarbonising. “The standards are changing, and if we need to keep up with the type of goals that we have laid out, then we have to change our mindsets,” said the Minister, while adding that all that is needed is awareness, understanding and technology. fiinews.com
