Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant urged India to make clean air the nation’s top mission and push for a radical transformation of the transport sector, warning of a $200 billion opportunity at stake. Speaking at the India Clean Transportation Summit 2025, he cited Delhi’s severe air pollution and India’s lag in EV adoption (1% vs China’s 60%).

Kant outlined five pathways: full EV adoption in high-pollution cities, phasing out old vehicles, mandating zero-emission registrations, bulk procurement to cut costs, and building a strong battery ecosystem. He emphasized strong political leadership, adoption of CAFE Stage 3 fuel norms, and electrification of heavy-duty vehicles, which could unlock ₹2 lakh crore in green investments and 5 lakh jobs.