After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce gold purchases, avoid foreign trips, and use public transport, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken swift action, announcing a series of fuel-saving measures.
Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Delhi government has introduced several initiatives, including two days of remote work per week for government employees and restrictions on foreign visits by ministers and officials for the next year.
CM Gupta launched a campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” (My India, My Contribution), urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary foreign travel during the global crisis.
Addressing a press conference, Gupta said, “Through the ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan’ campaign, we want to highlight what both the government and citizens can contribute towards Delhi. The first focus area is saving petrol and diesel so that fuel consumption can be reduced.”
The CM also appealed to private companies to adopt a similar two-day weekly work-from-home policy. She clarified that the move is advisory in nature, and its implementation will be monitored by the Labour Department.
In another step, the government has reduced the monthly petrol allowance for officials from 250 litres to 200 litres. Employees using public transport will receive an additional transport allowance.
A unique initiative called “Metro Monday” has also been introduced, under which all ministers and government officers will use the Metro on Mondays. Office timings have been revised to 10:30 am–7:00 pm, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will function from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Gupta also stated that no new vehicles will be purchased by Delhi government departments for the next six months. She added that the new EV policy is in its final stages and will be announced soon.
Additionally, government office air conditioners will operate between 24°C and 26°C. Smart switches will be installed to reduce electricity wastage.
To improve last-mile connectivity, the Delhi government will run feeder buses between metro stations and 29 identified colonies with a high concentration of government employees.
Delhi CM Cuts Convoy by 60%
Like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta is leading by example. She has officially reduced her convoy by around 60%, bringing it down to just four vehicles. Two of these vehicles are electric, marking a shift toward cleaner and more sustainable official mobility.
What are the Fuel-Saving Measures Delhi CM Announced Today?
Here are the fuel-saving measures Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announced today
- Delhi government employees are allowed to work from home 2 days a week to reduce commuting fuel use.
- Private companies urged to adopt a 2-day weekly work-from-home policy.
- Monthly petrol allowance for officials reduced from 250 litres to 200 litres.
- Extra transport allowance announced for employees using public transport.
- “Metro Monday” introduced, requiring ministers and government officers to use the Metro every Monday.
- Delhi government office timings revised to stagger traffic and reduce congestion-related fuel wastage.
- Citizens encouraged to observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week.
- 50% of official meetings to be conducted online to cut travel and energy consumption.
- Colleges and universities encouraged to shift to online modes wherever feasible.
- No new vehicles to be purchased by Delhi government departments for the next six months.
- Government office ACs to operate only between 24°C and 26°C to conserve energy.
- Smart switches to be installed in government offices to prevent electricity wastage.
- Delhi CM reduced her own convoy by 60%, limiting it to four vehicles, including two EVs.
Are We Returning to Covid Era?
The announcement of work-from-home for Delhi government employees has sparked comparisons with the COVID-19 era, when similar restrictions were imposed. However, this decision is not about restrictions or emergencies, but about reducing fuel consumption, easing traffic pressure, and promoting energy efficiency amid the ongoing global situation.
