New Delhi : The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in collaboration with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), organised a first-of-its-type roundtable conference themed “Gas se Gati, Bharat ki Pragati” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together government dignitaries, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on the transformative role of gas-based mobility, including Compressed Natural gas (CNG), Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), to drive sustainable urban and long-haul transportation in India. This event organised under SIAM’s गैस गतिशीलता (Gas Mobility) initiative supported the adoption of clean and efficient gas-based mobility solutions in India.

Delivering the opening address and highlighting India’s commitment to cleaner and sustainable fuel alternatives, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “Today’s initiative reflects the commitment to further Gas-based mobility in India. Globally, we are the largest Gas-fuel utilizing country in the mobility sector, and we are not stopping there. Industry is committed to CNG adoption. India started adopting CNG for cars, and gradually, we became the biggest gas-based bus and three-wheelers fleet operating nation. Last year launch of world’s first 2W CNG vehicle marks another milestone in India’s CNG journey.”

Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, underlined, “India’s USD 240 billion auto industry is pivotal to achieving carbon neutrality by 2047 and advancing Viksit Bharat through reduced fossil fuel dependence. Gas-based mobility, supported by the PLI scheme with three CNG vehicle components and 11 of 103 components for gas powertrains, is a key driver for the same. Localisation of these components and technologies will strengthen efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat while positioning gas mobility as a critical factor in our sustainable and self-reliant future.”

Mr. Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, said, “The agriculture sector generates 228 MMT of agri waste, contributing to poor air quality with health costs estimated at USD 35 billion. Converting just 10% of our oil imports to CBG could have a transformative impact. With only 200 CBG plants in India, demand creation is critical, and Indian auto OEMs can lead by building a global hub for green automobiles. CNG infrastructure upgrades will pave the way for CBG adoption, enabling farmers to convert agricultural waste into energy, reducing stubble burning, and positioning India to capture the global market.”

Mr. Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., said, “The transport sector is pivotal to India’s energy transition. The government’s continuous support has achieved the target of installing nearly 10,000 CNG stations by 2025. A domestic gas pricing mechanism has created employment for 3 lakh people. Compressed Biogas (CBG) transforms rural infrastructure, benefiting farmers, pollution control, and the economy. LNG’s role in sustainable mobility is promising with enhanced distribution infrastructure. India leads in CNG two-wheelers, with OEMs driving innovation, improving fuel efficiency from 26 km/kg to 34 km/kg, and dedicating more R&D for consumer-friendly solutions.”

Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Member, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), highlighted, “Delhi NCR, with PM10 emission averaging over 200 last year, faces multisectoral pollution. The CAQM is working in mission mode, phasing out end-of-life vehicles, redeveloping 68 roads in Delhi NCR to control dust, and reducing stubble burning by 86% in Punjab and 66% in Haryana. Transitioning to CNG, CBG, and LNG is a necessity, not a choice. Bio-CNG’s decentralisation potential can turn pollution into power.”

Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, delivered the keynote address by stating,“The energy transition in India’s transport sector is well underway, with decarbonisation playing a pivotal role. With the manufacturing sector contributing heavily, the gas sector is utilising existing infrastructure to drive this shift. The strong growth in CNG adoption as a transition fuel is a success story we must continue to advance, ensuring gas-based mobility supports India’s sustainable future.”

Mr. D Balakrishnan, Co-Chair, SIAM Gas-Based Mobility Group and Vice President (PD), Ashok Leyland Ltd., delivered the closing remarks for the inaugural session.