Raj govt plans fuel-saving measures after PM Modi’s appeal, GRAM -2026 postponed

Jaipur: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global tensions and uncertainty in West Asia, the Rajasthan govt is preparing a series of measures to cut fuel consumption and encourage more responsible use of vehicles across the state.

The proposed measures are expected to focus on greater use of electric vehicles (EVs), public transport, and carpooling by ministers, MLAs, and govt officials. The state govt is considering introducing a “No Vehicle Day” at least once a week to reduce unnecessary fuel usage.

Also on Friday Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Friday postponed the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM-2026), which was scheduled to be held from May 23 to 25 at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event was expected to witness participation of farmers, agritech experts and entrepreneurs from across the country and abroad. Sharma said the decision was taken to reduce fuel consumption in travel and logistics. He said the state govt is also promoting virtual meetings and restrained vehicle use, stressing that “small savings together can make a big difference.”

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has already instructed officials to minimise avoidable travel and unnecessary deployment of vehicles. In a symbolic move, Sharma has decided to reduce the size of his convoy. “I have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in my convoy. All officials and public representatives in the state should also ensure economy in vehicle usage and avoid unnecessary deployment of vehicles,” the chief minister said.

According to sources, departments have been asked to prepare plans for implementing fuel-saving measures in the coming days. Officials said the govt wants to promote practical steps that can gradually reduce fuel consumption without affecting administrative work. “The idea is to encourage responsible habits. If meetings can happen virtually, unnecessary travel can be avoided. If public transport or EVs can be used, that should be encouraged,” a senior official said.

Under the proposed “No Vehicle Day” plan, govt employees and officials may be encouraged to avoid using official or personal vehicles once a week and instead opt for public transport, cycling, walking or carpooling wherever possible.

Officials said the govt plans to issue guidelines to reduce the number of vehicles in official convoys and limit non-essential travel by departments.

The move comes after Prime Minister Modi urged citizens and public representatives to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by adopting fuel-saving practices such as public transport, carpooling, work-from-home arrangements and electric mobility.

Rajasthan governor Haribhau Bagde has also appealed to people to voluntarily minimise vehicle usage and support fuel conservation efforts.