Gadkari opts for bus travel, cuts convoy size by 50%

Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has decided to travel by bus during his May 14-15 visit to Pune, Satara and Solapur, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to the West Asia conflict.Gadkari, who is scheduled to inspect the roads being built to connect the shrines of medieval-era saints Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram, has also asked the state govt to cut the size of his convoy by 50%.In a letter to chief secretary, director general of police (DGP), and district collectors and senior police officials, Gadkari said reducing fuel consumption was essential for national energy security. He added that travelling by bus along with security personnel, officials and journalists would not only conserve fuel but also help ease traffic movement and inconvenience to the public.The move follows the Prime Minister's recent appeal urging citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures, use public transport, reduce foreign travel and limit gold purchases in view of the evolving energy situation. Gadkari's decision is seen as a swift and symbolic response to the call.