Sikkim govt revokes statewide odd-even restrictions for private vehicles, Gangtok excluded from relaxation
Gangtok, May 31
The Sikkim government has withdrawn the odd-even restriction on the movement of private vehicles across all districts of the state, except Gangtok town, with immediate effect.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department on Sunday, the decision was taken after a review confirmed that adequate buffer stocks of Motor Spirit (petrol) and High-Speed Diesel (diesel) have been created in the state to meet prevailing requirements.
The notification partially amends Home Department Notification No. 51/Home/2026 dated May 14, under which vehicle movement restrictions had been imposed amid concerns over fuel availability.
However, the government clarified that the existing odd-even traffic regulation within Gangtok town, notified by the Transport Department on October 24, 2024, will continue to remain in force.
The restrictions imposed on government vehicles under the May 14 notification will also continue until further orders. Additionally, the Home Department notification dated May 20 has been withdrawn with immediate effect.
The odd-even rule was part of measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel amid the West Asia crisis.
The guidelines also include a 50 per cent reduction in the Chief Minister's vehicle convoy and a shift to a five-day work week for government offices. To further streamline resources, the state had directed work-from-home arrangements for 50 per cent of its workforce on a roster basis and imposed a 30 per cent cut in fuel allotments for official vehicles.
The restrictions included a one-year ban on purchasing new government vehicles, excluding those for police and emergency services and the suspension of official foreign travel unless required for medical emergencies.
PM Modi had urged citizens to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption by adopting public transport, electric buses, and carpooling. Furthermore, he encouraged working from home and reducing gold purchases to help lower India's import burden.
— ANI
Reader Comments
About time! Odd-even during a fuel crisis made sense temporarily, but it was causing chaos for people in smaller towns who depend on private vehicles. Gangtok's exclusion makes sense though—the town is already congested. The 5-day work week and WFH arrangement for 50% staff is also a smart way to save fuel without hurting daily life.
Appreciate the government's proactive approach. PM Modi's appeal to conserve fuel was timely given the West Asia crisis, and Sikkim's measures—ban on new vehicle purchases, reduced convoys, 30% fuel cut for official use—set a good example. But I hope the odd-even in Gangtok is reviewed soon; people there need relief too. 🚗
Smart move by Sikkim—adjusting restrictions based on actual fuel stock data shows good governance. The continued odd-even in Gangtok is a compromise between mobility and conservation. The work-from-home and reduced convoy instructions are practical steps that other states could emulate during supply disruptions.
While I'm glad the restrictions are eased for most, the odd-even rule in Gangtok is still a hassle for those living on the outskirts. The government should consider lifting it soon if stocks are stable. Also, the idea of reducing gold imports to save foreign exchange is interesting—never connected that to fuel conservation before! 😅
Finally some common sense! Odd-even was creating more problems than solving—people had to plan days around which car they could use. The buffer stocks seem adequate now, so this withdrawal is welcome. But keeping it in Gangtok is a bit unfair to residents there. Hope the next
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