PM Modi, Union Ministers, CMs Cut Convoys, Switch to EVs to Save Fuel

New Delhi (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced his official convoy size. The move follows his recent national appeal for “austerity” as India navigates the economic fallout of the intensifying West Asia conflict, which has sent global crude oil prices surging.

50% Reduction

The Prime Minister has instructed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to curtail his carcade by 50%, ensuring that only essential security components remain. This streamlined protocol was notably visible during his recent high-profile visits.

Sources indicate that the Prime Minister has also pushed for the integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the fleet, strictly mandating that no new vehicles be purchased to avoid additional expenditure.

CMs, Ministers Follow Suit

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to mitigate the global energy crisis, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and administrative wings across India have also launched a fuel-conservation drive. Leaders are downsizing convoys, switching to electric vehicles (EVs), and opting for public transport to lead by example.

Union Ministers Set the Pace

Following the Prime Minister’s call to reduce consumption amid West Asian geopolitical tensions, senior Union leaders adjusted their daily operations on Wednesday. The Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed their residences with significantly smaller security convoys. The Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale travelled via the Mumbai Metro to reach the Bandra Kurla Complex.

States Mandate Convoy Reductions

Chief Ministers across the country have issued strict directives to curb official fuel usage:

• Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath ordered a 50% reduction in official convoy vehicles. He also encouraged virtual meetings, work-from-home arrangements for officials, and promoted a weekly “no vehicle day.”
• Madhya Pradesh: CM Mohan Yadav slashed his official convoy from 13 vehicles to 8 and prohibited large vehicle rallies.
• Rajasthan: CM Bhajan Lal Sharma instructed officials to eliminate unnecessary security vehicles and minimize travel.
• Maharashtra: The government now requires prior approval from CM Devendra Fadnavis’s office for any non-essential use of government aircraft.

Delhi and Bihar Shift to Public Transport and EVs

• Delhi: CM Rekha Gupta announced that all Cabinet ministers and BJP MLAs will prioritize carpooling. Ministers Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra notably commuted to their offices via the Delhi Metro.
• Bihar: CM Samrat Choudhary officially switched to an Electric Vehicle (EV). Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary halved his personal vehicle usage, pledging to travel only when necessary.

Gujarat Governor and Ministers Take the Lead

The Governor of Gujarat announced he will now use trains and state transport buses for internal travel instead of helicopters. Additionally, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghvi cancelled a planned trip to the United States to align with the Prime Minister’s request to reduce foreign travel.

The “Seven Appeals” for National Resilience

The downsizing follows the Prime Minister’s address in Hyderabad last week, where he outlined a strategic framework to cushion India against the global energy shock. His appeals to the public include:

• Energy Conservation: Switching to Metro travel, carpooling, and electric vehicles.
• Economic Discipline: Reducing the purchase of gold and non-essential imports.
• Forex Preservation: Preferring domestic tourism over expensive foreign travel.
• Work Efficiency: Adopting virtual meetings and “work from home” where feasible to reduce fuel dependency.