A new draft framework has proposed significant changes to transport systems to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Key features include mandatory wheelchair spaces in buses and Metro trains, step-free toilets at stations, level boarding ramps, and trained staff across air, rail, and road networks.The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), part of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is seeking feedback from stakeholders and the general public on these draft accessibility standards for the transport and mobility sector. The draft, labeled ‘Transport Accessibility Framework,’ has been developed by the Strategic Accessibility Cell – Rights of Riders (SAC-RR) and outlines detailed, enforceable standards across the entire transport chain—from booking and boarding to infrastructure, vehicles, and emergency response.
A delegation of auto industry representatives is preparing for a visit to China, aiming to speed up the import of rare earth magnets for Indian companies, according to industry sources. Roughly 40 to 50 executives have received visa approvals but are still waiting for the green light from the Chinese commerce ministry to hold discussions on the matter. The domestic auto industry is compelled to take action as the Chinese government imposed restrictions on the export of rare earth elements and related magnets starting April 4. China now requires special export licenses for seven rare earth elements and corresponding magnets, a move that has significant repercussions.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his congratulations to Maruti Suzuki India for achieving a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for its all-new Dzire model. In 2023, Gadkari had launched the Bharat NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) to enhance road safety standards for motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. In a post on X, Gadkari highlighted this achievement as a proud milestone for Made-in-India cars. He also emphasised the importance of mainstream models in setting new benchmarks for vehicle safety and commended Maruti Suzuki for its quick adoption of advanced active and passive safety features, including six airbags across their lineup.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the company’s long-awaited robotaxi service is tentatively set to begin on June 22, starting in Austin, Texas. The service will initially operate with 10–20 Model Y SUVs equipped with the latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, running in limited zones and monitored remotely by humans.
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, is reportedly recalibrating the production of its upcoming model, the e VITARA, due to a shortage of rare earth magnets, according to industry sources. The company is now aiming to produce about 8,000 units by September, a significant reduction from the previously stated plan to roll out over 26,000 units during the same period. Despite this dip in production, Maruti Suzuki is hopeful of compensating in the following months, setting an ambitious target of around 67,000 units for the fiscal year. However, the company has chosen not to comment officially on the situation.
Maruti Suzuki India announced on Friday that it is set to introduce a new financing scheme aimed at helping existing customers upgrade to their mid-sized SUV, the Grand Vitara. Customers interested in making the switch can take advantage of an attractive EMI of just Rs 9,999 per month for a brand new Grand Vitara—this is about 20 percent lower than what is typically offered through standard financing options, according to Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales) at Maruti Suzuki India. Customers will have the flexibility to return the vehicle to Maruti Suzuki after five years or 75,000 kilometers, benefiting from an assured buyback value of 50 percent of the vehicle’s cost. Additionally, there will be a buyback option available, Banerjee stated.
Starting January 1, 2026, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has mandated that no new petrol or diesel-powered vehicles can be added to the fleets of cab aggregators, delivery companies, and e-commerce firms operating within the Delhi-NCR region. This directive specifically covers light commercial vehicles, light goods vehicles, and two-wheelers used for deliveries. Moving forward, only electric or CNG vehicles will be permitted to join their fleets, according to the CAQM.
On Tuesday, the country unveiled its first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station, which features second-life battery storage, at the BESCOM EV Hub Charging Station. This pilot project, named Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV), marks a significant step forward in advancing clean energy and sustainable transport infrastructure. The inauguration was officiated by Karnataka’s Energy Minister K J George. George highlighted that the combination of solar energy with repurposed batteries allows for a sustainable, grid-independent operation, providing better access to charging stations in a high-demand area.
On Monday, the government announced guidelines under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India. Under these guidelines, companies would have the opportunity to import up to 8,000 electric four-wheeler units annually with a reduced import duty of 15 percent, compared to the current rates of 70-100 percent. However, this would be contingent upon their commitment to invest Rs 4,150 crore towards establishing local manufacturing facilities.
Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy reported on Monday that Tesla, the global electric vehicle giant, has shown little interest in manufacturing cars in India; however, the company is keen on establishing showrooms in the country. He mentioned that U.S. President Donald Trump has remarked that if Tesla were to set up a factory in India to sidestep the country’s tariffs, it would be deemed “unfair” to the United States. Kumaraswamy explained to reporters that so far, Tesla’s intentions seem primarily focused on starting showrooms rather than manufacturing operations in India.
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