Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Supports Fuel Conservation with Bike Ride

Symbolic Gesture Amidst Global Crisis

On Thursday, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a notable entrance to the MLC oath-taking ceremony by arriving on a motorcycle. This act was a symbolic endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to reduce fuel consumption in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Fadnavis rode from his official residence, 'Varsha', to the Vidhan Bhavan in South Mumbai, with BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar accompanying him on the bike.

According to reports, Fadnavis emphasized the need for caution in response to the global situation, stating that efforts must be made to decrease petrol and diesel usage. He mentioned that they have reduced the size of their convoys and highlighted his choice to travel by bike as part of their initiative to find ways to save resources. He also noted that large events would no longer be organized, and they would strive to conserve foreign currency wherever possible.

Measures to Cut Government Expenses

On Wednesday, Fadnavis announced several cost-cutting measures, including halving the number of vehicles in the convoys of cabinet ministers and canceling foreign trips for ministers and government officials. He instructed ministers to use government aircraft only for essential official duties, requiring personal approval for such requests. These actions were taken following Prime Minister Modi's appeal for governments and citizens to adopt measures to reduce fuel consumption due to rising energy prices and disruptions in global supply caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Public Reaction

#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reaches Vidhan Bhavan on a bike for the MLC oath-taking ceremony after PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel Consumption. pic.twitter.com/zHXbxvKpwD

— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) May 14, 2026