Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat Ditches Helicopters, Will Travel by Train and ST Bus After PM Modi’s Fuel-Saving Appeal
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has decided to give up air travel and switch to trains and state transport buses for official engagements, acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption amid a growing energy crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The Governor announced his decision at a special meeting with officials and staff at Lokbhavan. He stated that until the petrol and diesel situation in the country returns to normal, he will not use helicopters or aircraft for any government programme. For travel within the state, he will use trains and ST buses. He has also directed that his Z-Plus security convoy be reduced to the minimum number of vehicles necessary for essential travel.
VIDEO | Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Economic Self-Reliance’, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has taken a significant step towards fuel conservation and sustainable living. The Governor announced that he will travel within Gujarat using trains, ST buses… pic.twitter.com/1SzNqngQtU
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Directives for universities and government machinery
Devvrat did not limit the measures to his own office. He issued guidelines for the broader administrative machinery, directing all state universities to prioritise the use of cycles and electric vehicles. Government departments have been asked to cut unnecessary vehicle use and make every possible effort to conserve fuel.
Question now turns to Gandhinagar Secretariat
The Governor’s decision has prompted public questions about when the Chief Minister and state cabinet ministers will follow suit. With the Middle East conflict threatening to deepen the economic strain and fuel shortage, there is growing public sentiment that ministers should also reduce helicopter and aircraft use and set an example by travelling by rail and ST bus.
Citizens are also pressing for cuts to the large vehicle convoys deployed at government events, which run up costs of lakhs and consume significant fuel. Governor Acharya Devvrat has called on every citizen of Gujarat to join the fuel conservation drive.