Rekha Gupta Govt’s Big Decision: 2-day WFH, Metro Monday amid fuel-saving push in Delhi

The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has announced a 90-day public campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to adopt lifestyle changes that reduce fuel consumption, promote sustainable transport, and strengthen the domestic economy. The initiative follows an appeal by the Prime Minister urging citizens to contribute to economic resilience during global uncertainty. In the campaign, the Delhi government says it will lean on five big areas: saving fuel, encouraging work-from-home adoption, reducing foreign travel, promoting local products, and energy conservation.

Fuel-saving measures and transport reforms

A key focus of the initiative is reducing petrol and diesel consumption across the government and private sectors. The private sector has been advised to implement a two-day work-from-home policy wherever feasible, while government offices will also follow a similar two-day work-from-home arrangement.

Government vehicle fuel usage is targeted to be reduced by 20 per cent, bringing average consumption down from 250 litres to 200 litres in designated operations.

To promote public transport usage, the government will launch a “Metro Monday” initiative under which ministers, senior officials, and employees are encouraged to commute via metro every Monday where possible. In addition, a weekly “No Vehicle Day” is being encouraged for citizens on a voluntary basis.

No new petrol, diesel, CNG, or hybrid government vehicle purchases will be made for the next six months.

Office timings have also been standardised across departments, with MCD offices starting at 8:30 am, Delhi Government offices at 10:30 am, and Central Government offices operating from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Transport allowances will be increased by 10 per cent for employees who use 20 per cent of their TA for metro, DTC, or public transport cards. A feeder bus network of 58 buses across 29 government colonies will improve last-mile connectivity to metro stations.

The campaign also promotes shifting freight movement from road to rail to reduce diesel consumption and improve logistics efficiency. Domestic travel expenses across departments will be reduced by 20 per cent.

Expansion of work-from-home and digital governance

The government aims to conduct at least 50 per cent of meetings in the Delhi Secretariat and directorates through video conferencing. Colleges have been encouraged to shift selected non-practical classes, guest lectures, and administrative meetings online.

A single-window helpdesk and labour department call centre will be set up to assist private companies in adopting flexible working arrangements without compliance hurdles.

The government will also request courts to expand the use of online hearings wherever possible.

Restrictions on foreign travel and focus on domestic tourism

Under the new plan, Delhi government ministers and officials will not undertake any official foreign visits for the next one year. Public events and conferences will also be reduced.

At the same time, Delhi will promote domestic tourism by inviting visitors from across the country and developing special tourism circuits within the city.

Promotion of 'Made in India' products

The campaign will encourage malls, supermarkets, and large retail markets to create dedicated “Made in India” sections. A verified list of domestic daily-use products and electronics will also be prepared.

Government procurement will prioritise Indian-made products in accordance with existing rules.

90-day citizen pledge campaign

A major component of the initiative is a 90-day public awareness drive titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” (My India, My Contribution). Citizens will be encouraged to take a pledge to:

• Save fuel
• Use public transport
• Reduce unnecessary vehicle usage
• Avoid non-essential gold purchases
• Limit unnecessary foreign travel
• Reduce excess edible oil consumption
• Prefer Made in India products whenever possible

The campaign will also promote carpooling, car sharing, and improved last-mile connectivity. The pledge will be administered in schools, colleges, and offices.

Energy conservation measures

Energy-saving guidelines will also be implemented across government offices, including setting air conditioners between 24 and 26°C, installing master switches, and increasing the use of sensor-based lighting systems.

The Delhi Government said that this initiative is meant as a coordinated push involving citizens, government departments, and the private sector, in order to promote sustainability, cut down fuel dependency, and back domestic economic growth over the next 90 days.