Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the government's efforts to develop economically viable electric highways. Gadkari, who has previously expressed his dream of creating India's first electric highway between Delhi and Jaipur, shared his vision during the ACMA annual session.

Gadkari revealed, "NHAI will provide right of way for the electric highway. Today, I had discussions with the Power Ministry to secure electricity at a rate of ₹3.50 per unit, as opposed to the commercial rate of ₹11 per unit." He emphasized that the Power Ministry can easily offer electricity to government entities at a lower cost.

The minister highlighted the economic viability of electric highways and expressed his intention to grant rights to private sector investors involved in the project. Private investors would be responsible for electric cable construction, and NHAI would levy an electric tariff similar to toll charges.

Electric highways enable electric traction for vehicles, similar to railway systems, using power cables. This technology is prevalent in countries like Sweden and Norway, where vehicles draw power from cables installed specifically for this purpose. India is currently evaluating various technologies for this initiative, with the first electric highway pilot project in Nagpur.

Gadkari emphasized the significance of the automobile sector, which has seen substantial growth, with its current size reaching ₹12.50 lakh crore, up from ₹4.15 lakh crore in 2014 when he assumed office as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Recognizing the increasing import of fossil fuels, he stressed the need for India to find a solution to this energy crisis.