Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced his official convoy to just two vehicles during recent domestic travel, marking a major shift from the usual 12-15 vehicles that include armored Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard, Range Rovers, Toyota Fortuners, escort vehicles, jammer units, decoy cars, and ambulance. As per ANI video, Modi was seen travelling with only Range Rover and Fortuner during travel in Delhi, instead of the larger carcade usually associated with VVIP movement. The move was implemented during Modi's recent visits to Gujarat, Assam and Hyderabad as part of broader efforts aimed at reducing fuel consumption and encouraging sustainable practices amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. According to recent reports, the convoy reduction represents cutting by about half or more in practice for visible movements, with viral videos from Delhi and other spots amplifying the initiative.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi with senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Rural Development and Department of Land Resources following Prime Minister Modi's appeal for prudent use of resources. During the meeting, Chouhan emphasized that foreign visits will take place only when absolutely necessary and efforts should be made to conduct most meetings virtually. The minister also announced that 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' will be launched to promote balanced and prudent use of chemical fertilisers and directed that edible oils should be used judiciously with an awareness campaign among groups of five families each. These comprehensive measures demonstrate the government's coordinated approach to address fuel shortages while maintaining essential operations.
Chairing a meeting of officials from the Agriculture and Rural Development ministries, Chouhan asked departments to submit an action plan on work-from-home policy within two days. As reported by Business Standard, the minister urged staff to adopt carpooling and emphasized that foreign travel would be undertaken only when absolutely essential, with most meetings held virtually. A central government employees' association has urged the Centre to issue guidelines for work from home and virtual meetings, following Prime Minister Modi's call to cut avoidable expenditure amid the West Asia crisis. The association believes a structured framework will boost productivity and support a green secretariat. Recent reports indicate that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also adopted this convoy reduction, demonstrating the widespread implementation of these conservation measures across senior leadership.
Indian companies are responding proactively to the Prime Minister's call for work-from-home and reduced travel. Many firms are already offering hybrid work models and considering expanding remote options, with businesses cutting down on non-essential domestic and international trips. According to The Economic Times, these initiatives aim to conserve resources and support national efforts. The appeal also includes reducing non-essential gold and edible oil purchases, and preferring Made-in-India products to bolster the economy. This proactive approach by businesses demonstrates widespread adoption of sustainable practices across both public and private sectors.
On the agriculture front, the minister announced the setting up of a committee in every village to promote balanced use of fertilisers and natural farming on a large scale. According to Business Standard, Chouhan directed that edible oils should be used judiciously and launched an awareness campaign among groups of five families each. These conservation initiatives align with the broader government push for sustainable practices across all sectors. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Rural Development, ICAR, Department of Agricultural Education and Department of Land Resources will jointly conduct a public awareness campaign, as reported by Business Standard.
According to Business Standard, Chouhan stated that these decisions have been taken 'in the interest of the nation and to strengthen the resolve for a Viksit Bharat'. The comprehensive measures represent a coordinated government response to address fuel shortages while maintaining essential government operations and agricultural sector support. The Prime Minister's personal commitment to fuel conservation through his reduced convoy size is being seen as a powerful signal for the entire government machinery to adopt similar sustainable practices. As per The Economic Times, these initiatives aim to reduce unnecessary spending and conserve resources amid global uncertainty, with the appeal including reducing non-essential gold and edible oil purchases, and preferring Made-in-India products to bolster the economy.
