PM Modi’s Fuel-Saving Push: Nitin Gadkari chooses bus travel for Maharashtra tour, cuts convoy by 50%

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed officials to reduce the number of vehicles in his convoy by 50 per cent during his upcoming visit to Maharashtra, citing fuel conservation and public convenience.

In an official letter dated May 13, 2026, addressed to senior administrative and police officials in Pune, Satara and Solapur districts, Union Minister Gadkari said he would travel by bus along with accompanying officers, journalists and security personnel during the tour.

"I have decided to undertake travel by bus along with accompanying officers, journalists and security personnel which will also facilitate better traffic management and public convenience," the letter reads.

The minister is scheduled to inspect the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi Marg projects on May 14 and 15. The letter states that the decision was taken following advice from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce fuel consumption for transportation purposes in the interest of national energy security.

"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," the letter added.

Gadkari noted that travelling by bus would also help improve traffic management and reduce inconvenience to the public during the ministerial movement. He requested officials concerned to make the necessary arrangements and issue directions accordingly.

"In view of the above, it is requested that the number of vehicles in the convoy may kindly be reduced to 50% of the usual deployment," the minister said in the communication.

The letter was sent to the Commissioner of Police, Pune City; district collectors of Pune, Satara and Solapur; and superintendents of police in the three districts. Copies were also marked to Maharashtra Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police.

The move comes amid increasing focus on fuel efficiency, sustainable mobility and minimising disruptions caused by VIP convoys on public roads.