PM Modi cuts convoy size, pushes use of EVs as part of austerity measures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the size of his official convoy during recent domestic visits as part of a broader push for austerity and fuel conservation official sources told PTIThe reduction was implemented during the Prime Ministerrsquos visits to Gujarat and Assam shortly after his recent address in Hyderabad where he appealed to citizens to adopt measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and conserving foreign exchangeSources told PTI that the downsizing of the convoy was carried out while maintaining all critical security arrangements mandated under Special Protection Group SPG protocolsOfficials added that the security framework around the Prime Minister remains fully intact despite the reduction in the number of vehiclesEVs to be included in PMrsquos convoyIn another step linked to the austerity drive PM Modi has reportedly directed officials to include electric vehicles in his convoy wherever feasibleSources said the move would be implemented without making any new vehicle purchases indicating that existing resources would be utilisedThe decision aligns with the governmentrsquos larger focus on promoting electric mobility and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuelsThe Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasised the importance of sustainable practices and lowering fuel consumption amid global economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensionsPM calls for responsible fuel use and austerityDuring a public rally organised by the BJP in Hyderabad earlier this week PM Modi urged citizens to adopt practical austerity measures in daily lifeAddressing the gathering in Secunderabad the Prime Minister said patriotism was no longer limited to protecting the country at the borders but also included responsible behaviour that supports the nationrsquos economic interestsHe encouraged people to reduce petrol and diesel usage by relying more on public transport systems carpooling and electric vehiclesThe Prime Minister also suggested wider use of metro rail networks in cities increased use of railway services for parcel transportation and workfromhome practices wherever possibleGovernment focuses on reducing import dependenceThe austerity appeal comes at a time when India is facing economic pressure due to rising global energy prices and geopolitical instability in West AsiaIndia remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas LPG making fuel conservation a key concern for policymakersPM Modi also appealed to households to reduce edible oil consumption in order to lower import dependence and conserve foreign exchange reservesldquoThe same is true for edible oil We have to spend foreign currency on its importrdquo the Prime Minister said during his addressHe added that even small reductions in consumption at the household level could collectively make a significant economic impactPM promotes natural farming and sustainable practicesApart from fuel conservation PM Modi also urged farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and shift towards natural farming methodsHe said India spends substantial amounts of foreign exchange on fertiliser imports and stressed that sustainable agricultural practices would benefit both the economy and the environmentThe Prime Ministerrsquos latest steps including the reduction in his convoy size and the inclusion of electric vehicles are being viewed as part of an attempt to align official conduct with the broader austerity measures being promoted by the governmentThe developments come amid continued concerns over inflation global supply disruptions and rising import costs linked to the ongoing conflict in West AsiaWith inputs from PTI