Devendra Fadnavis reaches Vidhan Bhavan on bike amid PM Narendra Modi's fuel-saving push

MUMBAI: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis arrived at the Vidhan Bhavan on a motorcycle to attend the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the legislative council on Thursday.The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption amid concerns over rising energy pressures due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, according to news agency PTI.Fadnavis travelled from his official residence ‘Varsha’ to the Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai on a motorcycle, accompanied by BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar.In another symbolic gesture aimed at conserving fuel, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane walked to the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, to attend the cabinet meeting.On Wednesday, Fadnavis announced a set of austerity measures, including reducing the number of vehicles in ministers’ convoys by half and cancelling foreign tours of ministers and government officials. The BJP-led Maharashtra government said the measures were introduced in response to PM Modi’s call to save fuel and foreign exchange as tensions in West Asia continue to affect global energy supplies. India remains heavily dependent on the region for crude oil and gas imports.According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the number of vehicles in ministerial convoys during outstation visits should remain within the prescribed limit. The police commissioner or superintendent of police concerned will be responsible for ensuring compliance.The state government will also conduct a strict review of vehicles allotted to various departments as part of the austerity drive.