Agartala, May 14: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation, the convoy of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has been reduced in size, with the number of vehicles now brought down to four.

In a similar move, Tripura ministers Ratan Lal Nath and Sushanta Chowdhury have decided to give up the escort vehicles assigned to their security arrangements.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s appeal, Minister Ratan Lal Nath was seen travelling by bicycle and later took a tomtom ride to the state secretariat. Chowdhury was also seen riding a motorcycle.

Speaking on the initiative, Nath said nation-building does not always begin with grand announcements, but often with simple commitments and everyday actions. 

He stated that he had discontinued the use of his escort vehicle from yesterday in support of the Prime Minister’s appeal to save fuel.

The minister added that, from now on, he would use his bicycle as much as possible for short-distance travel and public outreach programmes. Recalling his cycling experience, he said the morning ride brought back memories of his childhood and gave him a renewed sense of staying connected to the people and the environment.

“Patriotism should not only be expressed in words, but also reflected in our habits and lifestyle,” Nath said, urging citizens to become more conscious about fuel consumption, protect nature, and work towards a better future for the next generation.

Meanwhile, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury also announced that, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal and until the global fuel crisis eases, he has decided not to use the two escort vehicles assigned to his security detail.