BDA Cuts Official Vehicle Usage Limit to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Bhubaneswar: In line with the Odisha government’s efforts to curb fuel consumption and promote prudent expenditure, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has reduced the monthly usage limit of official vehicles allotted to entitled officers.

The decision has been taken following directions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who has called for efficient utilisation of fuel and government resources across departments and public institutions.

Under the revised norms, the monthly vehicle usage limit for entitled officers has been reduced from 2,000 kilometres to 1,500 kilometres. The move is expected to bring down the BDA’s expenditure on petrol and diesel by nearly 25 per cent every month.

According to an official order issued by the authority, the measure has been introduced as part of the government’s broader initiative to rationalise fuel consumption and ensure optimal use of official vehicles. The revised limit has come into effect immediately.

The order further stated that the arrangement will remain in force until the prevailing fuel shortage situation improves or until fresh instructions are issued by the government.

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the authority has also initiated several complementary measures to reduce fuel usage. These include encouraging officials to conduct meetings, review sessions, training programmes and workshops through virtual platforms wherever possible.

Officials have additionally been advised to make greater use of public transport for official travel whenever feasible, he said.

The latest step follows the Chief Minister’s eight-point directive issued in May, which outlined measures to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and promote energy-efficient governance practices across the state.

Officials said the initiative is expected not only to reduce operational costs but also to contribute to the government’s larger objective of promoting responsible energy use and sustainable administrative practices.