NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the size of his convoy by 50% as part of a broader push towards austerity measures within the government.
Sources said the Prime Minister personally asked the SPG to trim the number of vehicles in his carcade while ensuring that mandatory security protocols under the Blue Book are fully maintained.
Push for Greater Use of Electric Vehicles
The Prime Minister has also encouraged increased use of electric vehicles within the convoy fleet, though without purchasing new vehicles to avoid additional expenditure.
Officials said the SPG has already started implementing the changes. Observers reportedly noticed a visibly smaller convoy during Modi’s recent visits outside Delhi.
Austerity Measures Expected Across Government Departments
The move is being viewed within the government as a signal for ministries and departments to adopt austerity measures more aggressively in the coming days.
Officials indicated that departments are considering several cost-cutting steps, including:
- Encouraging staff to use Metro services more frequently
- Promoting carpooling
- Reducing unnecessary travel
- Avoiding large official banquets and events
- Cutting fuel consumption wherever possible
One official said departments are awaiting further instructions from the personnel department but are already discussing internal plans to reduce expenditure.
PM Earlier Urged Citizens to Reduce Fuel and Gold Consumption
During his visit to Hyderabad on Sunday, Modi had urged citizens to reduce fuel and gold consumption amid growing economic pressures.
The appeal came against the backdrop of concerns over rising import bills, foreign exchange reserves and global instability linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Fuel Conservation Discussed at Ministers’ Meeting
The issue of reducing fuel usage through cuts in non-essential travel was also discussed during an informal group of ministers meeting chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.
Officials suggested that more formal austerity guidelines for government departments could be announced soon.
