Overview

• Nitin Gadkari revealed plans for a law mandating vehicle horns to emit sounds modeled on Indian musical instruments to create a more pleasant urban soundscape.
• The initiative aligns with efforts to combat noise pollution, as urban noise levels in Indian cities often far exceed permissible limits, with traffic horns being a major contributor.
• The proposed legislation complements the Modi government’s push for green and biofuels, including methanol and ethanol, to address the transport sector’s 40% contribution to air pollution.
• India’s automobile industry has grown significantly, with its valuation rising from ₹14 lakh crore in 2014 to ₹22 lakh crore in 2024, bolstered by strong export revenues from two-wheelers and cars.
• India has recently surpassed Japan to become the third-largest automobile market globally, following the United States and China.