Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, remains steadfast in his opposition to driverless cars, citing potential job losses for drivers as his primary concern. He has been vocal about his stance, asserting that the introduction of autonomous vehicles would negatively impact employment in the transportation sector. Gadkari’s firm position has attracted considerable attention, especially amidst India’s efforts to attract global automotive players like Tesla. He emphasized that while Tesla is welcome to operate in India, manufacturing their products in China for the Indian market is unacceptable, underscoring his commitment to local manufacturing and job protection.
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Gadkari’s stance has sparked diverse reactions on social media, with many highlighting India’s unique road conditions and infrastructure challenges as significant barriers to the adoption of autonomous vehicles. Critics argue that the lack of lane discipline, high pedestrian traffic, and complex road designs make driverless cars a safety and technical challenge in India. Gadkari’s approach emphasizes the need for technological solutions tailored to India’s specific context, advocating for a gradual integration of technology that balances innovation with employment preservation. This cautious approach reflects a broader debate on how to integrate emerging technologies into existing societal structures without causing significant disruptions.