New Delhi: India's push towards cleaner and locally produced fuels received a boost on Wednesday as Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari launched Hero MotoCorp's first flex-fuel motorcycle models, capable of running on both petrol and ethanol blends.
Developed at Hero MotoCorp's Centre for Innovation and Technology in Jaipur, the new versions of the popular Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles are designed to give consumers greater fuel flexibility while supporting the country's efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, Zee News reported.
Speaking at the launch event, Gadkari said India currently imports 87 per cent of its fossil fuel requirements, making the shift towards alternative fuels an economic and strategic necessity.
He said the government's focus is on promoting indigenous, cost-effective and cleaner fuels that can reduce pollution and keep fuel-related spending within the country. According to the minister, wider use of ethanol and other biofuels would benefit farmers, rural communities, agricultural workers and the broader economy.
The minister also revealed that the flex-fuel transition is expanding beyond two-wheelers. He said India's first passenger vehicle equipped with a flex-fuel engine is expected to be launched by Maruti Suzuki as early as Thursday.
Addressing concerns over the performance of ethanol-powered vehicles, Gadkari rejected the perception that ethanol is an inferior fuel. He said technical evaluations have shown that vehicles running on ethanol deliver power and torque comparable to those operating on conventional petrol.
"These motorcycles can run on both petrol and ethanol. Ethanol is not an inferior fuel," Gadkari said, adding that consumers would benefit from having multiple fuel options.
The minister highlighted India's growing ethanol production capacity, noting that the country is no longer dependent solely on sugarcane-based feedstocks. Ethanol is now being produced from maize, broken rice and agricultural residues, creating additional income opportunities for farmers while contributing to national energy goals.
He also pointed to a project in Panipat where crop residues, including rice straw, are being converted into ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The initiative, he said, demonstrates how agricultural waste can be transformed into valuable energy products.
Gadkari said the government is promoting a range of alternative fuel technologies, including ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), electric mobility and hydrogen. The objective is to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security and build a stronger green economy.
"Green economy, bio-economy and biofuel are our future. Ethanol is a better fuel, not an inferior fuel. It will benefit consumers, farmers and the country's economy," he said.
Representing Hero MotoCorp, Harshavardhan Chitale described the company's entry into the flex-fuel segment as an important milestone for India's biofuel ecosystem.
He said the motorcycles were fully developed in India and reflect the company's commitment to creating future-ready technologies suited to local needs. Chitale added that the products support the government's vision of self-reliance and long-term energy security.
According to him, the motorcycles contain minimal imported content and showcase India's manufacturing capabilities. He also said the company would work to keep prices affordable for consumers, supported by government policies promoting alternative fuels.
Hero MotoCorp plans to introduce more flex-fuel motorcycle variants in the future as demand for cleaner and domestically sourced fuels continues to grow.