Agartala, May 14: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel dependence and promote public transport, Tripura’s Chief Minister Manik Saha and several ministers have begun downsizing their security convoys starting Thursday.
A senior official from the Chief Minister’s office reported that Chief Minister Saha has cut the number of vehicles in his convoy by 50 percent. Previously, at least eight vehicles, including the Chief Minister’s official car, were part of the convoy. As of today, the convoy has been reduced to four vehicles.
Ratan Lal Nath, the Minister for Electricity, Agriculture, and Parliamentary Affairs, utilized a bicycle and auto-rickshaw to commute to his office at the Civil Secretariat in the Capital Complex on the outskirts of Agartala. Nath, who holds the second-highest position in the state cabinet after the Chief Minister, announced on Facebook that in response to PM Modi’s appeal to save fuel, he has stopped using his escort vehicle and will use a bicycle for short-distance travel and public engagements whenever possible.
He emphasized that nation-building is achieved not only through grand announcements but also through simple personal commitments. Nath stated that this decision was made to conserve fuel and protect the environment. He described cycling in the fresh morning air as a nostalgic experience, recalling childhood memories and the familiar sound of bicycle pedals, which also helps him stay connected with the community.
He urged citizens to become more aware of the need to save fuel, protect nature, and work together for a better future for the coming generations.
Sushant Chowdhury, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Transport, also announced via social media that in response to the Prime Minister’s appeal, he has decided to reduce the number of escort vehicles from four to two until the global energy crisis subsides.
Amid concerns arising from the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Chowdhury chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday to ensure the uninterrupted supply and distribution of petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to consumers in the state.
During the meeting, it was noted that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent any disruptions in the availability of essential fuels. Animesh Debbarma, the Minister for Forests, Environment, and Climate Change, also stated on social media that in response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption and expenses, he has downsized his official convoy and directed all departments under his jurisdiction to take similar measures.
Earlier, Chief Minister Saha mentioned that he would discuss the possibility of reducing the size of his security convoy with Director General of Police Anurag, following the Prime Minister’s call for prudent spending.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Saha expressed his personal support for reducing the number of vehicles in the convoy, provided that security is not compromised. He said, “If there are no security issues, we should have no objection to reducing the number of vehicles, and it should be done. I have always wanted to use fewer vehicles and security personnel, but police officials have not allowed it.”
Various state chief ministers and ministers have already announced cuts in expenses across several areas, including security arrangements and foreign travel.
During his visit to Hyderabad last week, PM Modi urged citizens to lower their fuel dependence and adopt public transport options like metro services and carpooling. He also encouraged increased use of electric vehicles, reduced gold purchases, and prioritizing domestic travel over international trips amid the escalating crisis in West Asia.
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