PM Modi’s Fuel-Saving Appeal Triggers Action Across 12 States; Governments Cut Convoys, Promote Public Transport

New Delhi, 14th May 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation and reduced government expenditure is beginning to show visible impact across several states, with governments and political leaders announcing measures aimed at reducing petrol and diesel consumption.

From downsizing VVIP convoys and promoting work-from-home arrangements to encouraging public transport and electric vehicles, at least 12 states have introduced austerity and fuel-saving measures over the past two days.

In Tripura, the state government has decided that only 50% of Group C and Group D employees will attend offices daily, while the remaining staff will work from home. Departments have been instructed to prepare weekly duty rosters. The order will not apply to essential and emergency services.

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reduced the number of vehicles in his convoy by 50% during district tours. He has also urged ministers and other VIPs to minimize the use of government vehicles and avoid unnecessary travel.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has similarly cut his convoy size in half. Earlier, his convoy consisted of six vehicles, which has now been reduced to three, including the vehicle carrying the Chief Minister.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria announced that officers in Raj Bhavan will not use four-wheelers every Wednesday as part of the fuel-saving initiative.

In Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reduced the size of his convoy and announced that he will avoid using any vehicle one day every week.

PM Modi Reduces Own Convoy

The Prime Minister also led by example on Wednesday by travelling with only two vehicles instead of the usual 12 to 15-car convoy.

Earlier this week, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar had also announced reductions in the number of vehicles accompanying VVIP convoys.

Odisha CM Travels With Four Vehicles

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reduced his convoy to four vehicles, including two police vehicles. Officials said the decision was taken in line with the Centre’s call for restraint and fuel conservation.

Rajasthan CM Cuts Convoy Size

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a reduction in convoy vehicles. While his convoy earlier included 14 to 16 vehicles, only five vehicles accompanied him during his Delhi visit on Wednesday.

Bihar Pushes Electric Vehicles

In Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary arrived at the Secretariat for a cabinet meeting in an electric vehicle. Reports, however, stated that a larger security convoy continued to follow him. Several ministers in the state have also started travelling with only one or two vehicles for official meetings and events.

MP Limits VIP Convoys

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced restrictions on the number of vehicles in ministerial and VIP convoys. Public rallies during government tours will also be curtailed.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who has Z+ security, earlier travelled with a 13-vehicle convoy. Under the revised arrangement, his local tours in Bhopal will now involve only eight vehicles.

In a symbolic gesture, state Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar travelled on an e-scooter from his government residence to Panchanan Bhavan. Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice D.D. Bansal also cycled around 3 kilometres to the High Court.

UP Announces Virtual Meetings, Public Transport Push

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced seven major measures, including reducing convoys of ministers, MLAs and officials by 50%. Ministers and officials will also be required to use public transport, including buses and metro services, at least once a week. The state government is also encouraging virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements for two days a week in selected departments.

Delhi Minister Uses Metro, E-Rickshaw

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood travelled by Delhi Metro from INA to Karkardooma Court station and later used an e-rickshaw to reach a government school event at Surajmal Vihar.

Maharashtra Minister Skips Cannes Visit

In Maharashtra, minister Ashish Shelar announced that he would not attend the Cannes Film Festival in France this year, citing the need to prioritize national interest and reduce departmental expenditure during challenging times.

PM Modi’s Recent Appeals

Prime Minister Modi has made repeated appeals over the past week urging citizens and governments to reduce unnecessary expenditure and fuel consumption.

Speaking in Vadodara on May 11, the Prime Minister encouraged people to use public transport such as metro rail and electric buses wherever possible. He also advised citizens to postpone non-essential gold purchases and reduce edible oil consumption.

Earlier, during an event in Hyderabad on May 10, Modi urged people to avoid unnecessary vehicle usage, adopt carpooling, and temporarily postpone foreign travel for weddings, holidays and other purposes in the national interest.

He also called for reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and promoting natural farming practices across the country.