Nitin Gadkari Buses It to Back PM Modi's Petrol-Diesel Save Drive

In an inspiring act of solidarity, Minister Nitin Gadkari ditched his official convoy for a humble bus journey while inspecting the Sant Gyaneshwar Mauli Maharaj Palkhi route in Pune. This Thursday gesture amplifies PM Narendra Modi's urgent plea for fuel thriftiness in light of Middle East volatility. Speaking to the press en route, Gadkari highlighted two decades of tireless work on green fuels like ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, LNG, and green hydrogen starting from 2004. Milestones include pioneering electric two-wheelers, cars, trucks, and buses in India. The minister is now electrifying farm equipment and tractors, forecasting a booming Rs 2 lakh crore sector that fosters true self-reliance. 'Eliminating pollution while achieving energy autonomy is our mission, and it's unfolding steadily,' he affirmed. Yet, with global fuel woes mounting, personal sacrifices are essential—hence PM's call to action. Gadkari leads from the front, paring down his fleet and embracing public transport to drive home the message: conservation is a shared responsibility. Modi's comprehensive advice spans beyond fuel: curb gold buying, edible oil use, and non-essential overseas travel for the next year. Government responses are pouring in. UP's Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan CMs have ordered convoy cuts. BJP states are at the forefront, with C.R. Patil forgoing escorts. Even the PM has slashed his motorcade by half, joined by Amit Shah. Directives prioritize electric vehicles from current resources. As Middle East tensions deepen, ministries are accelerating shifts to alternatives, EVs, and efficient rides. Gadkari's preemptive Wednesday announcement to bus more and convoy less is now reality, exemplifying national resolve for a greener, resilient future.