New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced a series of major fuel-saving and traffic-reduction measures aimed at promoting economic stability, reducing fuel consumption and encouraging public transport usage in the national capital.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the initiatives were inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to contribute towards national interest and economic balance amid prevailing global and domestic challenges.
Launching a public participation campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan”, Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government, institutions, private companies and citizens would collectively contribute towards fuel conservation and responsible resource usage.
Delhi Government Announces 2-Day Work From Home
As part of the new measures, the Delhi Government will implement two days of Work From Home every week for government offices.
The government will also issue advisories to private companies and institutions requesting them to adopt a similar two-day work-from-home model wherever feasible. The Labour Department will monitor implementation and coordinate with large corporations employing significant workforce.
‘Metro Monday’ Initiative Launched
The Chief Minister announced that every Monday will now be observed as “Metro Monday”, under which ministers, senior officials and government employees will be encouraged to use Delhi Metro for commuting wherever possible.
The move aims to reduce vehicular congestion and fuel consumption across the city.
Fuel Allowances Cut by 20%
Delhi Government has also reduced official fuel allowances for officers by nearly 20 percent.
Officials earlier entitled to:
- 200 litres fuel allowance per month will now receive 160 litres
- 250 litres monthly allowance will now be reduced to 200 litres
The government stated that official vehicle usage has already been rationalised and ministers have reduced accompanying convoy vehicles to minimum essential levels.
Separate Office Timings to Reduce Traffic
To decongest roads during peak hours, Delhi Government offices will now function from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, while MCD offices have been advised to operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
The Chief Minister said staggered office timings would help in better traffic management across Delhi.
Public Appeal for ‘No Vehicle Day’
Rekha Gupta appealed to Delhi residents to voluntarily observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week, encouraging citizens to avoid using private vehicles on a chosen day.
No New Petrol, Diesel or CNG Vehicles for 6 Months
The Delhi Government has decided that no new petrol, diesel, CNG or hybrid vehicles will be purchased by government departments for the next six months.
Incentives for Public Transport Usage
Government employees receiving transport allowance will be given an additional 10 percent incentive if they spend at least 25 percent of their allowance on public transport, including Metro services.
58 Feeder Buses for Government Colonies
The government also announced deployment of 58 feeder buses across 29 government colonies to transport employees between residential colonies and Metro stations.
Push for Online Meetings and Virtual Hearings
The Chief Minister said the government would attempt to conduct nearly 50 percent of official meetings online through video conferencing.
Universities and colleges in Delhi will also be requested to conduct non-practical classes, guest lectures and administrative meetings in online mode wherever possible.
The government has further appealed to courts to maximise online hearings to reduce transportation-related fuel consumption.
Foreign Travel Curbs and Event Restrictions
Rekha Gupta announced that no Delhi Government minister or official will undertake official foreign visits for the next one year. Several previously planned foreign visits have already been cancelled or postponed.
The Delhi Government will also avoid organising large public events and conferences for the next three months to minimise large-scale movement of people and vehicles.
Push for ‘Made In India’
The Chief Minister said Delhi Government will coordinate with malls and supermarkets to create dedicated “Made In India” corners and exhibitions promoting Indian products.
She added that Delhi would also launch special tourism programmes encouraging domestic travel within India, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to promote internal tourism.
