3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: May 13, 2026 05:22 PM IST
The Delhi government issued a set of measures Wednesday aimed at reducing fuel consumption across departments, amid a broader push towards fuel conservation and electrification.
As per an order, these include minimising vehicle usage by officers, promoting use of public transport, curbing foreign trips by officers, accelerating electrification of government-owned vehicle fleets, promoting car pooling during inspections and office travel, and increasing reliance on virtual meetings. Departments have also been asked to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure at government offices.
Officials said the measures are broadly aligned with the Centre’s larger push on reducing fossil fuel dependence, improving energy efficiency and accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Directions for key depts
The specific directions have been given to atleast three departments including the Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The DJB has been told to replace its self-owned fleet of nearly 200-250 tankers with electric tankers. Officials indicated that the move is in line with targets being monitored at the PMO level regarding electrification and fuel savings.
Similarly, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been asked to maximise the use of electric pumps and permanent pumping stations instead of diesel-operated tractor-mounted pumps, particularly during drainage and emergency operations. Diesel-based pumps may remain only as standby systems during power outages.
The government also said for inspections and inaugurations, officers can travel together using electric vehicles/pooled vehicles/public transport.
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Another measure is a weekly “No Car Day”, under which officers will be encouraged to use public transport while commuting to office.
Officials further said departments are directed to ensure EV charging infrastructure across government offices to support the larger transition towards electric mobility.
The government order also said no officer shall undertake any foreign visit and if any proposal is sanctioned, it will be cancelled. It also said virtual meetings will be encouraged to reduce avoidable travel.
The move comes amid increasing focus by the Centre on reducing oil dependence and encouraging behavioural changes to cut fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis. PM Narendra Modi Sunday called on citizens to reduce consumption of fuel and switch to public transport. He also urged people to reduce gold purchases for at least 1 year. His appeal came in the wake of the global energy disruption caused by the Iran war.
