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Politics

G. Kishan Reddy Pushes for Indigenous EV Manufacturing and Critical Mineral Self-Reliance

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy has called for increased indigenous manufacturing in the electric vehicle (EV) sector and emphasized the necessity for India to achieve self-sufficiency in critical minerals. Speaking in Hyderabad during the unveiling and flag-off of KETO Motors’ first commercial electric bus, the Minister highlighted key national initiatives and strategic measures aimed at securing vital resources for India’s technological future.

What Happened

During an event in Hyderabad, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy officially flagged off KETO Motors’ commercial electric bus. The occasion was attended by key dignitaries, including Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy, alongside Venkatesh Challa, Director of KETO Motors Limited.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Reddy underlined the strategic importance of building domestic manufacturing capabilities within the EV and allied industries. He pointed out that electric mobility extends beyond being a substitute for petrol and diesel transport, acting as a crucial driver for national energy security, pollution control, import reduction, and technological self-reliance. Commending KETO Motors, he noted that the company’s achievements reflect indigenous capability and expressed optimism about its future contribution to economic growth, job creation, and eco-friendly public transport through ongoing research.

Key Highlights

  • Flag-off Event: Official launch of KETO Motors’ commercial electric bus in Hyderabad by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
  • Critical Mineral Mission: The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission with an outlay of ₹34,000 crore to achieve self-sufficiency in key raw materials.
  • Supply Chain Security: Minister Reddy recalled that supply disruptions from China lasted for up to eight months after Operation Sindoor, stressing the need for secure supply chains.
  • Strategic Minerals Identified: Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper were identified as essential for EVs, solar panels, semiconductors, defence, and AI, holding strategic value comparable to oil.
  • Global Mining Blocks: The Indian government and other entities are actively acquiring mining blocks in foreign countries to mine and process critical minerals for India.
  • Fleet Expansion: TGSRTC plans to add 800 buses this December and another 1,400 buses the following December under the PM eDrive scheme using a gross cost contract model.

Why This Matters

Securing critical minerals is essential for the sustained growth of India’s high-tech and green energy sectors. According to Minister Reddy, past supply disruptions from China following Operation Sindoor highlighted vulnerabilities in India’s import dependency for minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. Because these minerals form the backbone of strategic industries including electric vehicles, solar power, semiconductors, defence, and AI, securing them is vital for national energy security and economic stability. Furthermore, TGSRTC Vice-Chairman Y. Nagi Reddy noted that expanding public electric bus transport is critical to tackling traffic congestion caused by private vehicles and transitioning away from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) buses.

What to Watch Next

In public transportation, TGSRTC is set to integrate 800 electric buses into its operational fleet this December under the PM eDrive scheme using the gross cost contract model. An additional 1,400 buses are scheduled to join the fleet the following December, significantly reducing the proportion of ICE buses in operation over the coming years. Meanwhile, the Indian government alongside other players will continue efforts under the ₹34,000 crore National Critical Mineral Mission to acquire and process international mining blocks for domestic industrial requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is India focusing on critical mineral self-sufficiency?

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper are essential for key future sectors such as electric vehicles, solar panels, semiconductors, defence, and AI. Minister G. Kishan Reddy noted that China disrupted supplies for up to eight months after Operation Sindoor, demonstrating the necessity of the ₹34,000 crore National Critical Mineral Mission to secure self-reliance.

How is TGSRTC expanding its electric bus fleet?

Under the PM eDrive scheme using a gross cost contract model, TGSRTC will add 800 buses to its fleet this December, followed by another 1,400 buses the following December, reducing reliance on conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) buses.

Who attended the KETO Motors bus flag-off event in Hyderabad?

The event was led by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, alongside TGSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Y. Nagi Reddy and KETO Motors Limited Director Venkatesh Challa.

Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.