New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday travelled with only two vehicles in his convoy as part of a broader fuel-conservation message being promoted by the government amid the ongoing global crisis.
Usually, the Prime Minister’s convoy consists of around 12 to 15 vehicles. Under the new arrangement, one vehicle carried the Prime Minister while the second carried SPG personnel and security staff.
The move comes as Modi has repeatedly appealed to citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and adopt fuel-saving practices wherever possible.
Following the Prime Minister’s example, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister JP Nadda have also reduced the number of vehicles in their convoys.
BJP chief ministers begin trimming vehicle convoys
In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his convoy. Earlier, his convoy used to include 14 to 16 vehicles, but during his Delhi visit on Wednesday only five vehicles accompanied him.
Meanwhile, in Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary arrived at the Secretariat for a cabinet meeting in an electric vehicle. However, according to media reports, nearly 20 petrol and diesel vehicles were still part of the accompanying convoy.
Several ministers in Bihar have also reportedly started attending meetings and public programmes using only one or two vehicles.
In Madhya Pradesh, the state government has decided to limit the number of vehicles in ministerial and VIP convoys. Restrictions have also reportedly been placed on rallies and unnecessary movement during official tours.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who has Z+ security cover, earlier travelled with a 13-vehicle convoy. Under the revised arrangement, only eight vehicles will now accompany him during local visits in Bhopal.
