Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Swaps Multi-Car Convoy For A Motorcycle In Fuel Conservation Effort

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis swapped his multi-car convoy for a motorcycle,  the Royal Enfield Classic 350, in a move to conserve fuel, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to set up austerity measures. CM Fadnavis was seen riding the motorcycle with BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar as pillion, from his official residence Varsha to the Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai, a distance of about 7 km. The chief minister was accompanied by his security personnel, riding alongside on motorcycles as well.

PM Modi recently appealed to the citizens and government officials alike to reduce fuel consumption and even reduce purchasing gold and foreign trips, in a bid to safeguard the country's forex reserves. The dramatic measures are being implemented over concerns of rising energy pressures due to the West Asia conflict between the US and Iran. India continues to be heavily dependent on West Asia for crude oil and gas imports, and with no signs of the US-Iran war coming to a conclusion, it’s imperative the government takes necessary steps.

The Prime Minister reduced his vehicle convoy by 50 per cent and was seen earlier this week in a two-car convoy in Delhi. CM Fadnavis also announced a set of austerity measures by reducing the number of vehicles in ministers’ convoys by half, and cancelling foreign tours of ministers and government officials. The state government will also conduct a strict review of vehicles allotted to different departments as part of the austerity drive. Incidentally, no electric two-wheeler was part of the Maharashtra CM's two-wheeler convoy, which would be great showcase in lowering fuel costs in the short-term.