India’s evolving mobility landscape took centre stage as Times Network Digital hosted the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 in the capital, bringing together key voices from across the automotive ecosystem to discuss the road ahead.

According to a Times Network press release, the summit served as a platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and recognition at a time when India’s automobile industry is at a crucial inflection point, with ambitions to become the world’s largest manufacturing hub. The event was anchored around the theme ‘India’s Mobility Mission 2030: Clean Tech, Smart Manufacturing, Global Vision’, reflecting the country’s focus on electric mobility, sustainable manufacturing, and global competitiveness.

Chief Guest Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari outlined the government’s vision for a more efficient and technology-driven transport system. He spoke about the transition towards barrier-free tolling, where vehicles will be charged based on distance travelled using number plate recognition and FASTag-linked systems. The system, already operational at several locations, is expected to expand nationwide by the end of 2026.

Highlighting the benefits, Gadkari said the new model could significantly reduce toll costs for commuters while ensuring uninterrupted travel without queues or stoppages. He also detailed ongoing infrastructure projects, including extensive highway construction, tunnels, and express connectivity aimed at reducing travel time between major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun, Amritsar, and Srinagar.

The summit also featured panel discussions and keynote sessions with industry leaders across sectors, including energy, automotive manufacturing, technology, and mobility solutions. Conversations focused on clean energy adoption, innovation in vehicle technology, and the integration of smart systems into India’s transport ecosystem.

Building on its inaugural edition, the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026 also recognised excellence across 35 categories, celebrating achievements in design, performance, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The event underscored the rapid transformation underway in the sector, driven by policy support, technological advancements, and growing consumer demand for sustainable mobility solutions.

As India accelerates towards its mobility goals, the summit highlighted a clear shift in the industry’s direction—one that blends infrastructure expansion with clean technology and digital innovation, positioning the country for a more connected and future-ready automotive ecosystem.