In a talk at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nagpur, union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, denied introduction of driverless cars in India. Gadkari argued that the inclusion of driverless cars would be a threat to drivers’ jobs in the nation.

The minister also put a condition for Tesla to enter India—to set up a plant in the country.

Gadkari’s tryst with technology

Automotive giant Tesla is eager to tap into India’s growing automotive market. However, India’s import sanctions have kept the Elon Musk-owned company at bay.

India’s automotive industry has also seen a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Due to this, there has been significant growth in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment of the country.

On Tesla’s arrival in India, Gadkari said, “Tesla is welcome considering that India is moving towards manufacturing clean, safe, and technologically advanced vehicles. India is now increasingly leaning towards ecologically sensitive manufacturing. Tesla can play an important role in that.”

“But Tesla has to set up its plant in India itself for that. Manufacturing in China and selling in India won’t be entertained.”

He added, “There won’t be any change in the import regime. Policies are made with industry in mind, not companies. So Tesla will not get any kind of special relief, but will get all the help on a policy basis.”

Amid technological advancements, Gadkari denied the introduction of driverless cars in India, saying, “India will never allow driverless cars. A large section of drivers in India may become unemployed due to it. The government will never take a step that harms the interests of drivers. So there is no market for driverless cars in India.”

Amongst other technological introductions, the ministry recently rolled out its crash testing system, Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The implementation for the same is soon due.

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