Pune: The Central govt is planning to increase the network of charging stations in the country in order to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Union heavy industries minister and minister of steel, H D Kumaraswamy, said on Tuesday. The percentage of pollution caused by public transport vehicles in India is 40%, and to reduce this, the Centre is promoting the use of EVs, he said at a symposium on international automotive technology in Moshi’s Pune International Exhibition and Convention Center.The three-day conference is organised by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under the theme, ‘Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility’. Kumaraswamy said, “Looking at the scale of this conference, the depth of technical content to be presented, and the impressive expertise gathered here, I believe this event will result in an exciting exchange of information, generating new knowledge and ideas, and showing pathways for India’s 2047 and 2070 resolves of being a developed country and achieving net zero emissions.” The minister also inaugurated the advanced driver assistance systems’ smart city test track, a cylinder testing facility, and a high-energy impact test facility at Takwe near Pune. He said the automotive sector plays a crucial role in growth in manufacturing, exports, research, and emerging software-led mobility solutions. The sector is set to receive impetus from the trade deal with Europe, as the auto industry will be able to expand domestically and also make its mark on the international market in the coming years, Kumaraswamy said. Reji Mathai, director of ARAI, said the symposium will have more than 250 presentations, including topics such as advanced safety, sustainability, and next-generation mobility technologies. “It will feature 275 exhibitors from 10 countries, showcasing various technologies and dedicated pavilions for start-ups, self-driving technology, and software-defined mobility. Another highlight will be a poster presentation competition among students, enabling undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate students to showcase innovations and interact with industry and research leaders,” he said.Caption: Union heavy industries minister H D Kumaraswamy at an expo in Pune on TuesdayPic courtesy: ARAI
