Transport deptissues norms tocut use of fuel

Lucknow: The transport department on Friday issued guidelines to encourage fuel conservation and public transportation.

It is in accordance with the recent directives issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for promoting public transport and conserving fuel in the state, said transport minister Dayashankar Singh. The minister asked the department to submit a proposal regarding exemptions on road tax and registration fees for the upcoming year to incentivise e-vehicles and public transport vehicles.

He also asked to increase the frequency of bus services during peak hours to reduce usage of private cars. For offices employing more than 500 staff members, special bus services will be operated through coordination between the transport department and UPSRTC.

The department will audit the 'car pooling' system, revoke allocation of surplus vehicles to officials and curtail consumption of diesel and petrol to the greatest extent possible.

Among other steps the department will conserve electricity and do a feasibility study of the 'Chandauli Model' (energy generation from biogas or cow dung) to prepare an action plan for its implementation across the corporation's depots and workshops.

A ban has been imposed on official foreign travel by department officers for the next six months. 'Virtual meetings' will be prioritised over physical meetings with officials stationed outside headquarters.