PM Modi, Gujarat CM, governor cuts down convoy size after PM's fuel save appeal

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has resulted in several countries facing an energy crisis. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and adopt austerity measures.

Following this appeal, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has decided to avoid helicopter and air travel while attending official programmes and events across the state. He has instructed officials to make arrangements accordingly for his visits to different locations in Gujarat.

The governor held a special meeting with officers and staff members at Lok Bhavan, where he announced his decision. He stated that until the petrol and diesel situation in the country returns to normal, he will refrain from using helicopters and flights for official travel within Gujarat. Instead, he will prefer public transport such as trains and Gujarat State Transport (ST) buses.

The governor has also directed that vehicles in his Z-plus security convoy be kept to a minimum during essential travel. He further instructed officials to prioritise the use of CNG and electric vehicles wherever possible.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel too has started reducing his official convoy size. During his recent visit to Rajula town in Amreli district for the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Arogya Mandir, the chief minister reportedly travelled with a convoy of only five vehicles to promote fuel conservation and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

Officials said the move was aimed at setting an example of simplicity and reducing ‘VVIP culture’ while encouraging citizens and government departments to adopt fuel-saving practices.

As part of broader fuel-saving measures, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has also reportedly cancelled a planned visit to the United States following the prime minister’s appeal to reduce non-essential foreign travel.

The governor also appealed to the people of Gujarat to join the public campaign for fuel conservation and reduce unnecessary use of vehicles in daily life as well as government work.

The Prime Minister has also significantly reduced his convoy size and also directed the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force entrusted with his security, to curtail the fleet size to a minimum.

According to sources privy to information, PM Modi’s recent visits to Assam -- attending Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in and participating in Somnath Amrut Mahotsav in Gujarat -- had truncated convoys as against the usual numbers.

The SPG has begun implementing the instructions by reducing the number of vehicles; however, it is maintaining essential security components as per the protocol.