Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption and promote public transport has triggered a major response from both the Centre and several BJP-ruled states. From reducing vehicle convoys to encouraging electric vehicle (EV) adoption, governments across the country have started implementing fuel-saving measures.
Transport Minister Urges People to Use EVs
Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena has appealed to people to increasingly adopt electric vehicles and reduce petrol and diesel consumption.
The minister said EVs have become the need of the hour and highlighted that subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles have now been extended till 2028. He also urged citizens to rely more on public transportation to help reduce fuel usage.
“Will Travel in One Vehicle,” Says Minister
Backing the Prime Minister’s appeal, Bibhuti Jena announced that ministers and officials should avoid unnecessary use of multiple government vehicles.
He stated that during official work, he would prefer travelling in a single vehicle instead of using multiple cars. Earlier, ministers were allotted three official vehicles at the government level. The minister further said that he would even travel by bus whenever there is no urgent requirement.
PM Modi Reduces Official Convoy Size
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also taken significant steps toward fuel conservation.
According to sources, the Prime Minister has instructed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the number of vehicles in his official convoy by nearly 50 percent. The reduced convoy arrangement was reportedly seen during his visits to Vadodara and Guwahati for official programmes, including the swearing-in ceremony attended with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The Centre has also decided to increase the number of electric vehicles in the Prime Minister’s convoy.
BJP-Ruled States Shift Into Action Mode
Following the Prime Minister’s message, several BJP-ruled states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have started implementing fuel-saving initiatives.
Uttar Pradesh Cuts Government Vehicle Usage
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed ministers and senior officials to reduce government vehicle usage by 50 percent.
During a high-level meeting in Lucknow, the Chief Minister instructed that unnecessary vehicles should not be used during government programmes. Public representatives have also been advised to use buses or trains at least once a week.
Additionally, industries and educational institutions have been encouraged to adopt work-from-home and online classes for at least two days a week to reduce road congestion and fuel consumption.
Madhya Pradesh Restricts Large Convoys
In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has restricted large processions and convoys.
He has reportedly reduced the number of vehicles in his own security convoy from 13 to a much smaller number as part of the fuel-saving initiative.
Gujarat Governor Opts for Metro and Bus Travel
The Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, has announced that he will avoid helicopter and flight travel within the state until the energy crisis situation improves.
Instead, he said he would use metro services and public buses for travel.
Delhi and Maharashtra Also Join the Drive
The Delhi administration has also initiated measures to promote shared official travel, encouraging multiple officers to travel together in a single vehicle. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has stressed the importance of using public transport.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Chief Secretary to implement measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption across government departments.
Nationwide Push for Fuel Conservation
The growing focus on EV adoption, reduced government convoy usage, public transport, and work-from-home policies reflects a broader nationwide effort to tackle rising fuel consumption and promote energy conservation.
With both the Centre and states taking visible steps, the campaign is expected to encourage citizens to adopt more sustainable transportation habits in the coming years.