Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday exhorted citizens to adopt public transport in a bigger way and set an example by himself travelling in the Metro’s North-South corridor to participate in an official engagement, said an official.
Sandhu’s public transport ride also allowed him to interact freely with co-commuters, with some even requesting selfies. In a message on X, Sandhu said, “Experiencing the pulse of the city, yet again, through its Metro - efficient, accessible and connecting millions every day.”
“In my recent travels, I have found it to be the most efficient way to navigate our city while contributing to a sustainable environment,” he said. “I also encourage everyone to adopt public transport, carpooling, and electric vehicles wherever possible.
These collective efforts, though simple, can play a significant role in strengthening our energy security and building a greener, cleaner Delhi for future generations,” he said. Sandhu’s call to use cleaner modes of transport aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to the people to prepare for the 'challenging period' resulting from the West Asia conflict.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also announced a mandatory two-day work-from-home order for government offices to save fuel. The Prime Minister has also significantly reduced his convoy size and directed the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force entrusted with his security, to curtail the fleet size to a minimum.
According to sources privy to information, PM Modi’s recent visits to Assam attending Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in and participating in Somnath Amrut Mahotsav in Gujarat had truncated convoys as against the usual numbers.
The SPG has begun implementing the instructions by reducing the number of vehicles; however, it is maintaining essential security components in accordance with the protocol. The move also follows the Opposition’s criticism, which accused the Modi government of imposing harsh measures on citizens while keeping itself insulated from the global oil shock.
With PM Modi leading from the front and showing the way to save fuel and cut expenses, the message is gradually percolating through the governance structure, with more ministers and leaders walking the same path.