Gujarat CM Cuts Convoy Size, Minister Cancels US Visit

Ahmedabad, May 13 (PTI) Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity call to deal with adverse fallout of the West Asia crisis, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and his Council of Ministers have decided to reduce fuel consumption by limiting the number of vehicles in their convoy.

Announcing this on Wednesday, Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel said a decision has been taken to let bureaucrats join official meetings virtually.

"The Chief Minister has decided to restrict his official convoy to just two vehicles. Furthermore, with the aim of minimising air travel, Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi has cancelled his scheduled visit to the

United States," he said.

He said the Council of Ministers has decided to follow the CM by reducing the vehicles in their convoy.

"The entire Council of Ministers has collectively endorsed this decision, and all ministers will adhere to the CM's directive. The ministers have decided against utilising a 'pilot' vehicle to lead the way to their destinations. Instead, they have opted to navigate directly to the location using online map," Rushikesh Patel told mediapersons.

"Consequently, we have resolved to reach our respective destinations without the entourage of vehicles trailing behind or leading the way, to travel without a dedicated pilot escort," he insisted.


On Wednesday, the chief minister had only two vehicles in his convoy during his official visit to Rajula in Amreli district to inaugurate a trauma centre.

Labour and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya declared the state government will discuss the possibility of adopting work from home model for private companies wherever it is possible.

On Tuesday, Governor Acharya Devvrat announced he would not use helicopters and avoid air travel for trips within the state and also reduce number of vehicles in his convoy until the situation in West Asia, a key source of India's energy needs, normalises.

Responding to PM Modi's appeal, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil also announced he will not use pilot or escort cars while travelling to attend government or private programmes until the situation in the Gulf region stabilises.

The Governor made an appeal to the state's universities and administration to take measures to save fuel and instead use electric vehicles and bicycles.

Devvrat directed vice-chancellors of all universities in Gujarat to observe 'combustion engine free day' at least once a week in their varsities to cut down on fuel consumption.

PM Modi has appealed to citizens to curb foreign travel, reduce fuel consumption, defer gold buy and revive working from home in view of the continuing crisis in West Asia. He said these austerity measures would reduce India's fuel consumption and help save foreign exchange.