Bhubaneswar: Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Wednesday urged people in Odisha to reduce their consumption of petrol, diesel, and gas, and to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and other sustainable modes of transport in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation.
Addressing the media, Jena said the Prime Minister had on Sunday (May 10) advised citizens, particularly in metro-connected cities, to prioritise public transport such as metro rail and to opt for carpooling wherever the use of private vehicles is necessary. He also encouraged EV users to maximise the use of electric mobility.
The minister said citizens should exercise restraint in the use of conventional fuels and adopt measures such as increased reliance on public transport, carpooling, and work-from-home arrangements wherever feasible. He added that such steps would help reduce fuel consumption and support the national economy and foreign exchange reserves.
Jena further reiterated the state government’s push for electric mobility, stating that Odisha is actively promoting EV adoption. He informed that the EV subsidy scheme has been extended until 2028 to encourage wider use of electric vehicles across the state.
“The government will continue to take all necessary steps for the benefit of the people. Citizens should increasingly adopt electric vehicles,” he said, adding that collective adherence to the Prime Minister’s appeal would contribute to energy conservation and economic stability.
