Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to reduce fuel consumption by its official vehicles by curtailing their monthly usage limits, in line with the Odisha government’s efforts to rationalise expenditure on petrol and diesel.
According to a recent order issued by the authority, the monthly vehicle usage limit for entitled officers has been reduced from 2,000 kilometres to 1,500 kilometres. The measure is expected to lower the BDA’s monthly fuel expenditure by around 25 per cent.
The decision follows directives issued by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi aimed at promoting efficient fuel use across government departments and institutions.
The BDA order stated that the revised vehicle usage limit has been introduced in view of government instructions on the rationalisation of petrol and diesel expenditure and the optimum utilisation of government vehicles. The new norm has come into immediate effect and will remain in force temporarily until the prevailing fuel shortage situation improves or further directions are issued.
BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the authority is also adopting additional measures to reduce fuel consumption. These include encouraging virtual meetings, review sessions, training programmes and workshops to minimise travel requirements.
Officials have also been advised to use public transport wherever feasible as part of the broader fuel conservation initiative.
The move is part of the Chief Minister’s eight-point directive issued in May to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and promote energy-efficient governance practices across Odisha. The initiative reflects the state government’s emphasis on cost optimisation and sustainable administrative functioning amid concerns over fuel availability and rising expenditure.
