Maharashtra CM rides RE Classic 350, skips official car: Here's why

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid rising global oil prices, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chose a different mode of transport for his official commute on Thursday. Instead of using his regular official convoy, Fadnavis arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan riding a Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycle.

Pictures shared by Fadnavis on social media showed him riding the motorcycle from his official residence to Vidhan Bhavan, accompanied by BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar. His security personnel were also seen following him on Bajaj Pulsar 220 motorcycles, which appeared to be part of the police fleet.



Sharing the images online, Fadnavis wrote, “On Hon PM @narendramodi Ji's appeal, here's my bit towards austerity measures for our Nation.” He also urged citizens to adopt lifestyle changes that could help reduce fuel usage and contribute towards conserving resources.



The move comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption due to disruptions in global oil and gas markets caused by the ongoing tensions in the Western Asia. As part of the initiative, PM Modi has reportedly reduced the size of his own official convoy. During recent visits to Gujarat and Assam, the Prime Minister’s carcade was said to have been cut by nearly 50 per cent, with the convoy now reportedly consisting of just two SUVs: a Range Rover and a Toyota Fortuner.


In a recent address at a BJP rally in Hyderabad, PM Modi encouraged citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures such as using metro services more often, opting for carpooling, increasing the use of electric vehicles and relying more on rail transport for parcel movement. Several Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have started downsizing their convoys for official duties.

Royal Enfield Classic 350: Engine specs, details

The motorcycle ridden by Fadnavis is among the most popular offerings from Royal Enfield. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is based on the brand’s J-series platform and is powered by a 349 cc single-cylinder air-oil cooled engine. The motor develops 20 hp and 27 Nm of peak torque. In the Indian market, the motorcycle is currently priced between Rs 1.85 lakh and Rs 2.21 lakh, ex-showroom.