‘Life of a Common Man Can Reduce by Five to Ten Years’: Nitin Gadkari on Delhi Pollution

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has flagged Delhi’s air pollution and road safety as major public health challenges, linking both issues directly to the transport sector and India’s continued dependence on fossil fuels. He made the remarks during a recent episode of Series C, a podcast by Masters’ Union, the Gurugram-based business and technology school.

Speaking on the podcast hosted by Pratham Mittal, founder of Masters’ Union and Tetr College of Business and a judge on Shark Tank India, Gadkari reflected on the severity of air pollution in the national capital.

“I live in Delhi. I run away in 2 to 3 days because there is so much pollution,” the Union Minister said. He added, “Some health experts say that if pollution continues like this, the life of a common man can reduce by five to ten years.”

Acknowledging institutional accountability, Gadkari pointed to the transport sector as a significant contributor to air pollution. “About 40 per cent of pollution comes from the transport sector. That is my responsibility, because it falls under my department,” he said.

During the conversation, Gadkari repeatedly linked urban pollution to India’s reliance on petrol and diesel, stressing that cleaner mobility is no longer optional. He underscored the need to reduce fossil fuel use and accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels such as ethanol, bio-CNG, electric mobility and hydrogen to improve air quality in large cities like Delhi.

The minister also placed air pollution and road accidents within the same public health framework, describing both as transport-related risks that disproportionately affect young people. Highlighting the scale of fatalities caused by road accidents, he said, “Every year, around five lakh road accidents happen in the country, and nearly 1.8 lakh people lose their lives. Among those who die, around 66 per cent are young people between the age of 18 and 36.”

Calling pollution and road safety critical public health concerns, Gadkari urged greater involvement from young citizens. “Road safety and pollution—these two areas need positive contribution from young boys and girls,” he added.

The podcast series features conversations with leaders from public life and industry, where students engage speakers on leadership, decision-making and real-world trade-offs. 

Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_zR_MIZBM

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