Gujarat Ministers Drop Pilot Cars, CM Cuts Convoy After PM Modi Appeal

Pearl Doshi May 14, 2026 360 Views

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to curb fuel use and reduce VIP culture, Gujarat’s chief minister and cabinet have limited official convoys, ministers have given up pilot vehicles and the governor has curtailed air travel, moves aimed at conserving fuel, cutting costs and projecting an austerity-first governance posture.

Following the Prime Minister’s call for restraint amid global energy disruption, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel restricted his official convoy and the state cabinet agreed to drop pilot cars for ministers.

The measures include virtual meetings for officials, cancelled foreign visits by senior leaders and a directive from Raj Bhavan to prefer public transport over helicopters for intra‑state travel.

Convoy Size Reduction

The Chief Minister has limited his convoy to just two vehicles during official visits, and the council of ministers has collectively decided to follow suit by avoiding pilot or escort cars.

Virtual Meetings And Cancelled Trips

Ministers have been advised to attend meetings virtually when possible, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi cancelled a scheduled US visit as part of the fuel‑saving measures.

Cuts To Air Travel And Official Movement

Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced he will avoid helicopter and air travel within the state and use trains or state transport buses for official journeys until conditions normalise.

Why The Measures Were Taken

The moves follow PM Modi’s public appeal to reduce foreign travel, cut unnecessary fuel consumption, defer non-essential purchases and revive work‑from‑home practices to protect foreign exchange and ease energy pressure. Officials say the steps aim to lower administrative costs, reduce traffic disruption from large convoys, and set a governance example.

What To Expect Locally

Expect fewer VIP motorcades, reduced helicopter movements, and more ministers appearing at events with minimal escorts; state departments will push online interactions and promote public transport and EV use where feasible.

Gujarat Austerity Highlights

Chief Minister convoy limited to two vehicles
Ministers to forgo pilot cars and use online maps for navigation
Deputy CM cancels foreign trip; Governor to avoid intra‑state air travel
Push for virtual meetings, public transport and EV adoption promoted by officials

Sources: The Hindustan Times

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