Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy as part of a broader push for restraint and fuel conservation amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia,
with the move now being projected as an example for states to follow.
According to sources, the reduced convoy arrangement was implemented during the prime minister’s recent visits to Gujarat and Assam. The move came shortly after PM Modi appealed to citizens to cut down petrol and diesel consumption, work from home wherever possible, and avoid unnecessary foreign travel in light of concerns over the global energy situation.
Officials said the prime minister chose to personally implement the measures he had advised citizens to follow, leading to a considerable reduction in the number of vehicles accompanying his convoy. The scaled-down convoy was first seen after PM Modi made the appeal during an event in Hyderabad, and was subsequently followed during his visits to Vadodara and Guwahati.
ALSO READ | Curbs On Ministers’ Travel & Big Banquets, Online Seminars: In Modi Govt, Austerity Begins At Home
Sources clarified that there has been no compromise with the prime minister’s security. All mandatory security arrangements and SPG protocols remain fully in force, with only the number of accompanying vehicles being rationalised.
During the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, the PMO also distributed copies of PM Modi’s speech and an action plan to chief ministers in attendance, urging them to exercise restraint in the wake of the West Asia crisis.
The action plan circulated among state governments reportedly called for increased use of EVs, greater reliance on virtual meetings, and adoption of energy-saving measures during the ongoing international uncertainty.
ALSO READ | Cooking Oil To Gold: Why PM Modi Is Focusing On Everyday Household Consumption Amid US-Iran War
Following the ceremony, several chief ministers are learnt to have reduced the size of their own convoys and initiated similar austerity measures in their respective states.
PM’s Austerity Push
In recent days, PM Modi has repeatedly stressed the need for restraint and conservation as the escalating crisis in West Asia raises concerns over global fuel supplies and India’s import bill. In a public address earlier this week, the prime minister urged citizens to avoid panic buying, reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, and adopt energy-saving practices in daily life. He also encouraged offices and businesses to increase work-from-home arrangements wherever feasible and minimise non-essential travel.
ALSO READ | PM Modi Wants Indians To Avoid Buying Gold For A Year, But Why Do Weddings Focus On This Yellow Metal?
Government sources have maintained that India has adequate reserves and there is no immediate shortage of fuel, but officials are increasingly focused on reducing consumption as a precautionary measure amid uncertainty surrounding shipping routes and crude supplies. The Centre has also begun internally implementing austerity measures, including encouraging virtual meetings, limiting official travel, promoting public transport and EV use, and rationalising vehicle deployment across departments.
Officials say the Centre wants states, public institutions and citizens to collectively contribute towards conservation efforts while avoiding any sense of alarm over the evolving geopolitical situation.
