Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced a significant reduction in his official convoy size, opting to travel by bus during his upcoming Maharashtra tour. The decision, communicated in a letter dated May 13, 2026, to Maharashtra Police and district authorities, cites Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on fuel conservation and national energy security.
Minister Prioritizes Fuel Conservation and Public Convenience
Minister Gadkari stated that his convoy would be reduced by 50% of its usual deployment. He plans to travel alongside accompanying officers, journalists, and security personnel in a bus during his inspection visits on May 14 and 15, 2026. These visits are scheduled for the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palakhi Marg projects.
In his communication, Gadkari highlighted the importance of reducing fuel consumption for transportation. He emphasized that this is crucial for the nation's energy security and aligns with the Prime Minister's advisory. Beyond fuel savings, the minister noted that collective travel by bus would also contribute to better traffic management and enhance public convenience during his tour.
Impact on Official Travel Protocol
The directive requests authorities to issue necessary instructions to implement this change, marking a notable shift in the protocol for official travel by a Union Minister. The move aims to set an example for resource efficiency and public-minded governance.