Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha reduced his security convoy from seven to four vehicles following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Ministers will also use fewer escort vehicles as part of wider expenditure and fuel-saving measures.
A major step toward fuel conservation and controlled government expenditure has been initiated in Tripura after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha decided to reduce the size of his official security convoy. The decision comes in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent nationwide appeal encouraging citizens and government institutions to minimize fuel consumption and adopt cost-saving measures.
According to official sources, the Chief Minister’s security convoy has now been reduced to four vehicles from the earlier strength of seven, including the Chief Minister’s own vehicle. In addition, security escorts provided to other ministers in the state government will also be reduced from two vehicles to one.
The decision was finalized following a high-level discussion involving senior police officials and security authorities. Chief Minister Dr. Saha had personally raised the issue after returning from Guwahati on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, he had stated that he wanted to discuss the matter with Director General of Police Anurag before taking any final decision.
After the discussion, security officials agreed to implement the reduction while ensuring that the safety of the Chief Minister and ministers remains uncompromised.
Addressing the media earlier, Dr. Saha openly expressed his support for reducing unnecessary vehicle usage in official convoys. He said that if security agencies found no major risk, there should be no objection to reducing the number of vehicles and personnel attached to VIP movements.
The Chief Minister also revealed that he had previously wanted to use fewer vehicles and security personnel but security officials had advised against it due to protocol requirements. However, with changing national priorities and the growing focus on fuel conservation, the administration decided to move forward with the revised arrangement.
The decision in Tripura reflects a broader national trend where several state governments are reviewing administrative expenditure, including security arrangements and official travel. Many states have already announced restrictions on unnecessary spending, including reductions in foreign visits and luxury government expenses.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Hyderabad, appealed to citizens to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel amid rising global uncertainties and the intensifying West Asia crisis. He encouraged people to prefer public transportation systems such as Metro rail services, adopt carpooling practices, increase the use of electric vehicles, and prioritize domestic tourism over foreign travel.
Sources also indicated that the Prime Minister has directed officials to gradually include electric vehicles in his own convoy, reinforcing the government’s push toward sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
The Centre is reportedly preparing a wider campaign encouraging ministries and departments across the country to adopt fuel-saving practices. These may include carpooling, reduced use of official vehicles, increased reliance on public transport, and avoiding extravagant official celebrations.
| Also Read: Jahar Chakraborti Sworn In As Dharmanagar MLA |
Political observers believe the move by the Tripura government carries symbolic importance as it demonstrates an attempt to align administrative functioning with the Prime Minister’s public appeal for responsible energy consumption. The reduction in convoy vehicles is also being viewed as a message promoting simplicity and efficiency in governance during a period of global economic and fuel-related concerns.
Officials said further administrative reforms aimed at reducing expenditure and improving energy efficiency may be introduced in the coming months.
