Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 7 : Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his vision to provide electric auto-rickshaws to auto-drivers in North Mumbai that are affordable, durable, and can provide public transport service at an affordable price to increase their income. He said that North Mumbai will play a significant role in the nation's resolve for a developed India by 2047.
Goyal interacted with auto drivers and drank tea with them during the Jan Samvad Program on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Piyush Goyal said, "Our goal is to improve the lives of every person in North Mumbai who earns their living through hard work and serves the public, increasing their income and creating new opportunities for their families. I learned that more than half of auto drivers don't own their own auto-rickshaws. The rest, even those who drive CNG, are harming the environment and increasing pollution. Their income has also decreased significantly. I've just spoken with both Bajaj and Mahindra. Our vision is to form self-help groups of 100 people and talk to all the companies to provide them with electric auto-rickshaws that are affordable, durable, and can provide this service at an affordable price, increasing their income."
He further said that electric auto-rickshaws would be environmentally friendly.
"Their children would be connected to a skill development centre. We wish to work for auto-rickshaw drivers as well as the future of their children. I was a Rajya Sabha member for 14 years. My four-and-a-half-year term was left when I fought the Lok Sabha polls. Working for the people of the North Mumbai constituency is the most auspicious moment of my life. North Mumbai will play a significant role in the nation's resolve for a developed India by 2047," he further said.
Earlier in the day, Piyush Goyal met global industry leaders to explore ways of boosting India's role in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and clean technology. The discussions focused on building partnerships that can help India move closer to its vision of becoming a self-reliant, developed nation by 2047.
According to information shared by Piyush Goyal's Office on X, the Minister held a meeting with Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde plc, on Saturday. During the discussion, Goyal underlined the importance of developing a resilient industrial ecosystem capable of meeting future global challenges.
"Minister @PiyushGoyal held a meeting with Mr. Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde plc. They discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, decarbonisation & carbon capture technologies. The Minister highlighted the need for process-driven engagement to support India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision & build a resilient industrial ecosystem," the post said.