Gujarat Govt Launches Fuel-Saving Drive, Orders Virtual Meetings and Adds 300 New ST Buses

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — In a decisive push to curb rising fuel consumption and government expenditure, the Gujarat government on Friday unveiled sweeping measures aimed at promoting public transport, reducing official travel and accelerating virtual governance. The announcements followed a high-level cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, where ministers were instructed to cut costs and adopt fuel-saving practices across departments.

The government’s move comes at a time when fuel prices remain high, placing additional pressure on public finances and citizens alike. The cabinet’s message was clear: the state machinery must lead by example.

300 New ST Buses to Hit Roads Immediately

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi announced that 300 new State Transport (ST) buses will be deployed from Saturday to strengthen public transport services. Notably, the buses will be launched directly without any formal ceremony to ensure immediate benefits for commuters.

“The Gujarat government is committed to saving petrol and diesel. Strengthening public transport is a key step in that direction,” Sanghvi said.

The new fleet is expected to ease travel for thousands of passengers daily and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

Virtual Meetings and Work From Home Push

Chief Minister Patel directed all departments to increase the use of virtual meetings and explore work-from-home options wherever feasible. Government employees will no longer be called unnecessarily to Gandhinagar for meetings, a move aimed at cutting travel-related fuel consumption.

“Departments must prioritise online meetings and digital workflows to reduce expenses and save fuel,” officials said after the meeting.

The decision marks a significant shift toward hybrid governance, reflecting lessons learned during the pandemic.

Strict Limits on VIP Convoys

The cabinet also tightened norms for official travel. Ministers can continue attending public events and inaugurations, but they have been instructed to avoid long security convoys.

Even before the meeting, the new approach was visible as the Chief Minister arrived with only three vehicles in his convoy. Several ministers opted for carpooling or electric vehicles to attend the meeting.

Minister of State for Environment Praveen Mali reached the secretariat on an electric scooter, while ministers Dr. Pradyuman Vaja and Sanjaysinh Mahida also used EVs.

“Electric vehicles are becoming the best option for two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The state government will actively promote EV adoption,” Mali said.

Carpooling for Officials and Employees

The government has issued guidelines encouraging carpooling among officials and employees. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for responsible fuel use.

“People of the state have responded positively to the Prime Minister’s appeal. We are now emphasising the use of one car instead of multiple vehicles,” Sanghvi added.

Minister Cancels US Trip

In another symbolic step, Cooperation Minister Jitu Vaghani voluntarily cancelled his upcoming visit to the United States, where he was scheduled to attend a global summit at the UN headquarters in New York.

The decision was taken in response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to postpone foreign travel in the current economic climate.

A Broader Push for Sustainable Governance

Friday’s cabinet meeting focused heavily on fuel conservation, EV adoption, public transport expansion and digital governance. The government believes these measures will not only cut costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability.