Convoys to carpools: Ministers share rides to Cabinet meetings

New Delhi: In a symbolic push for fuel conservation and energy security, several Union ministers carpooled to the weekly Union Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent suggestion to reduce vehicle use.

Sources said the Prime Minister had, at the previous Cabinet meeting, encouraged ministers to share rides while travelling for official engagements.

On Wednesday, several senior ministers arrived together for the Cabinet meeting at Seva Teerth. Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil travelled with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy in a single vehicle. Paatil was also among the first ministers to forgo escort vehicles.


In another instance, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a ride with Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while Pralhad Joshi, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BJP president J P Nadda and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari travelled together.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju carpooled with NDA allies Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Most ministers opted for shared transport as their official residences are located in close proximity.

The move follows a broader push led by the Prime Minister to promote fuel efficiency. Modi had earlier reduced the size of his official convoy, a step later mirrored by several Union ministers and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states.

The initiative also comes amid global energy concerns linked to tensions in West Asia, with leaders increasingly advocating responsible fuel consumption and, in some cases, greater use of public transport.