Sun, 17 May 2026
Kerala News Updated May 17, 2026 · 11:56

Kerala Governor Slashes Convoy Size to Save Fuel After PM Modi's Appeal

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reduced the strength of his official convoy to save fuel, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal amid the West Asia crisis. The Governor's office confirmed the move in a social media post, stating it aligns with the PM's call for fuel conservation. Arlekar also flagged off a 'Cyclothon' in Thiruvananthapuram to mark 90 years of Akashvani, promoting fitness and social awareness. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma similarly took measures to reduce fuel consumption, including using an electric vehicle bus and reducing convoy vehicles.

Keralam Governor Vishwanath Arlekar reduces official convoy strength to save fuel following PM Modi's appeal

Thiruvananthapuram, May 17

Keralam Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reduced the strength of his official convoy following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve petrol and diesel amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

In a post on X, the Keralam Governor's office said the move was made in line with the Prime Minister's call for fuel conservation.

"Hon'ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has reduced the strength of his official convoy in pursuance of the appeal made by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi," the post stated.

The reduced convoy arrived as the Governor flagged off a 'Cyclothon' at Kowdiar Square in Thiruvananthapuram to mark 90 years of Akashvani.

According to officials, the event aimed to promote fitness and social awareness while celebrating the legacy of public broadcasting.

"Hon'ble Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar flagged off the 'Cyclothon' at Kowdiar Square, Thiruvananthapuram, marking 90 years of Akashvani. The event promoted fitness, social awareness and celebrated the legacy of public broadcasting," the Governor's office said.

Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also took measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption. On Saturday, he travelled in an electric vehicle bus from his residence in Jaipur to Tikaria village in the Bagru Assembly constituency to attend an official programme.

Addressing the media, Sharma said Rajasthan was acting on the Prime Minister's appeal for oil conservation.

"I have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in my convoy. All officials and public representatives in the state will also ensure economy in vehicle usage and avoid unnecessary deployment of vehicles," Sharma said.

"Programmes should also be reduced in number to save petrol and diesel consumption," he added.

During a recent address in Secunderabad, PM Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption by using public transport, opting for carpooling, increasing the use of electric vehicles and preferring railways for freight movement.

He also appealed to people to prioritise work from home where possible, avoid unnecessary foreign travel for a year, adopt Swadeshi products, reduce cooking oil consumption and encourage natural farming.

— ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good, but let's be honest – reducing a convoy from 10 cars to 8 won't save much. Real change needs systemic shifts like better public transport and less dependence on oil. Still, every step counts.
R
Rohit P
Cyclothon for 90 years of Akashvani – nice way to mix fitness with nostalgia! And the Governor leading by example on fuel saving? That's the kind of leadership we need. Well done, Kerala!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this from an Indian state governor. Back home in the US, we barely acknowledge fuel conservation unless there's a crisis. This is a smart move even if symbolic. Hope it inspires others.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the gesture, I'd like to see more concrete actions – like converting government vehicles to electric or promoting carpooling among officials. Still, it's a start. Let's hope it's not just for publicity.
S
Sarah B
PM Modi's appeal is ambitious – work from home, avoid foreign travel, use EVs... but ground reality in India means many can't work remotely or afford electric vehicles. The convoy reduction is a nice symbolic step, but we need more practical solutions. 🤔
K
Kavya N
Kudos to Rajasthan CM too – travelling by electric bus shows innovation.

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