Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd sponsored the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards on May 5, 2026 [1], focusing on India's future transport goals.
The event highlights the strategic shift toward leadership in the automotive sector by 2030. As the country seeks to modernize its infrastructure and energy sources, the collaboration between government officials and energy providers marks a critical step in scaling sustainable mobility.
Vipul K Maheshwari, the executive director of R&D at HPCL, led a fireside chat titled "India's Mobility 2030: The Road to Leadership" [2]. The discussion centered on the roadmap required for India to achieve a dominant position in the global mobility landscape over the next several years.
Nitin Gadkari, the minister of road transport and highways, attended the summit as the chief guest [3]. His presence underscores the government's commitment to the initiatives discussed during the summit, particularly those involving road infrastructure and the integration of new vehicle technologies.
Beyond the policy discussions, the event included the Times Drive Auto Awards to recognize excellence in automotive design and engineering. The MG Cyberster was named the Design Car of the Year [3].
The summit served as a platform for industry leaders to align their research and development goals with the national vision for 2030. By bringing together energy executives and government ministers, the event aimed to synchronize the rollout of new fuels, and vehicle standards across the country [2].
“India's Mobility 2030: The Road to Leadership”
The alignment between HPCL and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways suggests a coordinated effort to integrate energy R&D with national infrastructure planning. By setting a 2030 target, India is signaling a transition toward more advanced mobility standards, likely focusing on a mix of alternative fuels and electric vehicle integration to reduce dependence on traditional imports.
