Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has decided to travel by bus and reduce the number of escort vehicles during his Maharashtra tour on May 14–15, directing officials to reduce his convoy size by 50 percent. The decision aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation and austerity measures amid concerns over energy security, reported NDTV.
Union Minister Gadkari will be on an inspection of key pilgrimage highway projects in Maharashtra. In an official letter released on May 13, 2026, the minister emphasised that the move is intended to minimise fuel consumption and prevent traffic congestion for the general public.
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Gadkari is scheduled to inspect the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg projects on May 14 and 15, opting to travel by bus alongside a combined group of officials, journalists, and security personnel to ensure a more efficient and less intrusive assessment of the critical infrastructure. “As advised by Hon'ble Prime Minister, it is essential to reduce consumption of fuel for transportation purposes in the interest of national energy security,” Gadkari wrote in the letter.
The minister added that traveling together by bus would also help in better traffic management and public convenience. He requested authorities to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy to “50% of the usual deployment” during the tour and issue necessary directions for the same.
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The decision is being seen as part of a wider government push to encourage energy conservation, reduced fuel dependency, and more sustainable travel practices across administrative functions.
PM Narendra Modi has also reportedly reduced the size of his motorcade; despite the cut in convoy strength, all essential security protocols continue to be followed without compromise.
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