Ministers take metro, bus as Delhi govt curbs official vehicle use; NDMC issues WFH order

New Delhi: Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to conserve petrol and diesel and turn energy conservation into a people’s movement, Delhi govt has decided to limit the number of vehicles used by the chief minister, ministers and other officials in view of the prevailing global situation.

Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the govt would restrict the number of vehicles used for official work. “I and all my cabinet colleagues, BJP MLAs, public representatives, Delhi govt officers and all departments will use the minimum number of vehicles as required and prioritise carpooling and public transport. Energy conservation is a responsibility linked to national interest,” Gupta said in a post on X.

She added that Delhi govt was committed to promoting fuel conservation and public transport and urged residents to join the national effort by following the Prime Minister’s call.

In line with the austerity measures, law minister Kapil Mishra travelled by metro on Wednesday and said he would use public transport or a single official vehicle when required. Education minister Ashish Sood travelled by metro and an e-rickshaw on Tuesday during an inspection visit. Transport minister Dr Pankaj Singh covered around 40 km from Vikaspuri to the Delhi Secretariat by a DTC bus.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council issued an office order allowing one-third of Group B and Group C staff in each department to work from home to reduce avoidable commuting and fuel consumption and to encourage digital-first administrative practices.

“The head of department shall identify employees for work from home and prepare a day-wise roster to be shared with the personnel department. Employees commuting from far-off areas using personal vehicles should preferably be included,” the order stated.