Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to reduce the size of his motorcade, several states of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have announced measures to cut fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered an immediate 50% reduction in the vehicle fleet for himself and his government, people familiar with the details said.
Ministers, members of Parliament, paralegals and representatives of the public have been asked to use public transport for one day every week. Through the promotion of allowing “work from home” (WFH), organizations employing a large number of employees were asked to offer two work-from-home days per week.
In addition, 50% of internal meetings in the state and district secretariats should also be conducted virtually, the Chief Minister said.
In Madhya Pradesh, Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the number of vehicles in his convoy would be reduced and urged ministers to follow suit.
Read also: PM Modi asks SPG to reduce the size of the convoy as an austerity move amid conflict in West Asia
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta also announced reduction in the use of vehicles that will be used for official purposes.
In a post on the X website, she said that the Prime Minister called on the country’s citizens to save gasoline and diesel and to make energy conservation a popular movement, in light of the current global situation.
“…in accommodating this important appeal made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, a decision has been taken to limit the number of vehicles allocated for operation in departments. I and all my Cabinet colleagues, all BJP MPs, public representatives, Delhi government officials, and all departments will also use the minimum number of vehicles as per the requirements and give priority to car sharing and public transport,” she said.
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also directed to reduce convoys and rationalize vehicles used for security.
In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said ministers would need to seek prior approval from him to use government aircraft, and restrict non-essential air travel.
According to a person familiar with the details, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he would travel within the state by trains and public transport instead of helicopters and taking flights, and the state’s deputy chief minister, Harsh Sanghvi, canceled his trip to the US, after Prime Minister Modi’s call to reduce foreign travel.
