Hans News Service Hyderabad

MalkajgiriMP Eatala Rajender held crucial meetings in New Delhi with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 30, advocating for a series of development initiatives and infrastructure renovations across Telangana. During his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Eatala Rajender emphasised the urgent need for additional funding towards the development of the Secunderabad Cantonment area. He requested permission for construction and road widening on defence lands, notably highlighting the road stretch from Kowkur Dargah to BITS Pilani alongside other key roadways within defence jurisdictions. Eatala Rajender also urged for increased public access to these defence routes to significantly ease civilian movement. Furthermore, he discussed the current political scenario in Telangana, referencing Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the state. He pointed out growing political opportunities for the BJP to deepen its presence in Telangana, assuring the Defence Minister that with central support and local coordination, the party would achieve a major breakthrough in the region.

Later, Eatala Rajender, accompanied by a delegation of BJP MPs, met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to address urgent rail infrastructure requirements in his constituency.

He called for the quick completion of sanctioned railway over-bridges and under-bridges, approval of pending proposals, and the construction of small underpasses to ensure commuter safety.

Centre defends ethanol blends

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Gadkari, however, said studies by government agencies and automobile manufacturers indicate that the reduction in fuel efficiency in certain E10-designed vehicles is limited to about 2-6%. “However, the same is influenced by several factors, including driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle maintenance,” he said, stating that E20 petrol can reduce fuel economy by 2 to 6% depending on the vehicle category and vintage.

The clarification comes amid growing debate about the government’s Ethanol Blending Programme. The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association has announced a protest march to Parliament on August 4. Amid concerns over possible vehicle damage and reduced mileage from ethanol-blended fuel, reports suggest sales of 100-octane premium petrol—the only grade exempt from ethanol blending—have more than doubled in recent months amid concerns over possible vehicle damage and reduced mileage from ethanol-blended fuel.

Critics also argue that consumers will have to bear recurring annual costs due to lower fuel efficiency, a burden that could rise if the ethanol content in petrol is increased further.

The minister said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme through a phased, scientifically validated and consultative process involving NITI Aayog, automobile manufacturers, Oil Marketing Companies, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other technical institutions.

“E20 offers a higher-octane rating, superior anti-knock characteristics, cleaner combustion and smoother engine performance.