Maharashtra Deputy CM Adopts Electric Vehicle Amid Calls For Fuel Conservation
Eknath Shinde has begun travelling in an electric vehicle and reduced the size of his official convoy following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to conserve fuel amid global tensions linked to the West Asia crisis.
Visuals circulating on Wednesday showed Shinde using a white MG M9 EV for official travel in Mumbai. The vehicle’s on-road price in the city is estimated to range between ₹74 lakh and ₹80 lakh.
Shinde Says PM’s Appeal Is In National Interest
Speaking to reporters, Shinde said he had taken the Prime Minister’s message seriously and described fuel conservation as an important national responsibility during periods of global instability.
“In a war-like situation, though the war is not happening in our country, the consequences are still borne by other countries as well. I have also reduced my convoy and will use an EV vehicle,” Shinde said.
He further stated that Modi’s appeal was aimed at protecting the country’s economic interests and reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
PM Modi Urged Citizens To Reduce Fuel Usage
Earlier this week, Modi had encouraged citizens to rely more on public transportation systems, including metro networks, and adopt environmentally sustainable travel practices.
The Prime Minister also appealed to people to reduce dependence on imported fuel in order to minimise pressure on foreign exchange reserves during uncertain global conditions.
Maharashtra Leaders Shift Towards Public Transport
Several political leaders in Maharashtra have recently adopted public transport and alternative commuting methods following the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Ramdas Athawale travelled using Mumbai Metro 3, also known as the Aqua Line, while BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay opted to travel on the Tejas Express to Chiplun instead of using private vehicles.
Earlier, BJP Maharashtra Vice President Keshav Upadhye also travelled through Mumbai Metro 3 and praised the state government’s investment in infrastructure projects.
Focus On Sustainable Mobility And Infrastructure
The growing use of metro systems, electric vehicles and rail transport by political leaders is being viewed as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable mobility and reduce dependence on conventional fuel.
Infrastructure initiatives such as the Mumbai Metro network, Coastal Road projects and the Samruddhi Mahamarg have increasingly been highlighted by the Maharashtra government as key components of urban transport modernisation.
