PM Modi leads by example: Convoy cuts and fuel conservation sweep across India; HM Amit Shah, UP CM Yogi announce cuts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the size of his official convoy. The move came days after his appeal for responsible fuel consumption. The reduction was implemented during his recent visits to Gujarat and Assam.

All essential Special Protection Group security protocols were maintained throughout. PM Modi also directed officials to include electric vehicles in his convoy wherever feasible. No new purchases were to be made for this purpose.

The convoy reduction followed the prime minister's speech at a Telangana BJP rally in Hyderabad. There, he made what has been described as "seven appeals" to the nation.

He urged citizens to immediately reduce petrol and diesel consumption. He called for greater use of metro rail, carpooling and electric vehicles. He suggested utilising railways for parcel movement instead of road transport.

PM Modi encouraged work-from-home (WFH) arrangements to reduce unnecessary commuting. He also asked citizens to reduce foreign travel, avoid overseas weddings and limit gold purchases for a year. The goal, he said, was to conserve foreign exchange reserves amid global disruptions.

"Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one's life on the border," PM Modi said. "In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties in our daily lives."

Health Minister JP Nadda also reduced his convoy to nearly half. Security arrangements were kept fully intact. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari went further. He decided to travel by bus during his visit to Maharashtra on 14-15 May. He directed local authorities to reduce the number of convoy vehicles by 50%.

"It is essential to reduce fuel consumption in the national interest," Gadkari said.

Measures were announced to promote the WFH culture and virtual meetings. Carpooling, cycling and electric vehicles were encouraged across the state. Citizens were also urged to conserve electricity and support the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced a 50% reduction in his own official fleet. "National interest is paramount. Nothing is above it," he said.

He also called on citizens to avoid purchasing gold for a year. He urged people to reduce edible oil consumption and cut chemical fertiliser use by half.

Greater adoption of indigenous products over foreign brands was encouraged. Limiting foreign travel for one year was also suggested to conserve foreign exchange.

CM Gupta urged Delhi residents to use buses and metro services instead of private vehicles. The appeal came amid prevailing global energy supply uncertainty.

Vehicle rallies were suspended until further notice. He also appealed to citizens to increasingly use public transport in their daily lives.

High-level meetings chaired by Fadnavis were held to review the security and administrative aspects. An official announcement was expected after the review was completed.

Official convoys were also reduced in size. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi cancelled his planned trip to the United States following Modi's appeal to reduce foreign travel.

An electric vehicle or carpooling would be used instead. All Sunday official engagements would be conducted through video conferencing. His convoy was reduced by half.

He also committed to not using the state helicopter until the West Asia crisis subsided. He wrote to the Himachal Pradesh government, urging it to frame standard operating procedures for fuel conservation.

"Let us all become participants in this public awareness campaign for energy conservation," he said.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth also announced steps in the same direction. He urged all citizens to act in the national interest and support India's journey toward self-reliance.