Maharashtra slashes foreign trips and adopts electric vehicles after Modi's call
Maharashtra’s government has begun cutting back on foreign travel and reducing fuel use after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for conservation. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led by example, switching to an electric vehicle and trimming his convoy to essential security cars only. Ministers across departments have followed suit, cancelling trips and adopting greener transport options. The push for change started after Modi urged officials to minimise unnecessary foreign visits and conserve fuel amid the global energy crisis. Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department immediately scrapped a planned trip to Denmark. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai also called off his family holiday to Europe.
Shinde took further steps on Wednesday by replacing his usual motorcade with just essential security vehicles. That same day, he travelled from his home to Mumbai’s Sahyadri Guest House in an electric car. He later instructed all Shiv Sena ministers in the state to prioritise electric vehicles for official duties. Addressing critics, Shinde accused opposition parties of politicising Modi’s appeal, insisting their objections were merely attempts to undermine the Prime Minister. He pointed to recent election wins in West Bengal and Assam as proof of public trust in Modi’s leadership. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed this support, pledging full cooperation to ease the crisis’s impact on citizens.
The measures mark a swift response to Modi’s conservation drive, with Maharashtra’s leadership adopting electric transport and scrapping non-essential travel. Officials now face stricter guidelines on foreign visits, while ministers adjust to smaller convoys and greener commutes.
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