VIP convoys cut down in Gorakhpur on appeal of PM, CM

Gorakhpur: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to significantly scale down his convoy in the wake of the West Asia crisis and his appeal for the judicious use of fuel-powered vehicles, the impact is now visible in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Following the Prime Minister’s appeal, chief minister Yogi Adityanath urged officials and public representatives to cut down fuel usage and avoid unnecessary government spending. Responding to the call, Gorakhpur mayor Manglesh Srivastava has stopped using a police escort vehicle for travel within the city, while BJP MP Ravi Kishan has reduced his convoy to just two vehicles.

Ravi Kishan said he was even willing to travel by bicycle if required, but requested the PM and CM not to reduce their own convoys due to security considerations. “CM apna kafila chhota na karen, main cycle se chal loonga,” he said in support of the fuel conservation campaign.

Meanwhile, Gorakhpur Development Authority vice-chairman Abhinav Gopal has also stopped using the enforcement vehicle that earlier accompanied him during official duties.

In line with the Prime Minister’s appeal, the Uttar Pradesh govt is now planning measures such as a weekly ‘No Vehicle Day’, promoting virtual meetings, encouraging the use of public transport, and implementing energy-saving practices in government offices.