If you live in Delhi-NCR and fill petrol, diesel or CNG in your car to commute to office every day, then this news is directly for you. Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and skyrocketing prices of crude oil, a massive campaign has been launched across the country to save fuel.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to save fuel and reduce the use of private vehicles, the Delhi government and Delhi Metro (DMRC) have implemented several major and stringent changes in the capital. These changes come into effect today—Monday, May 18. These measures include steps ranging from advising private companies to adopt ‘work from home’ (WFH) policy to increasing the frequency of metro services. Let us see what has changed in Delhi.
**Delhi Government Advisory: ‘Work from home’ 2 days a week**
In view of the growing oil crisis and the recent increase in CNG prices by ₹3, the Labor Department of Delhi Government has issued an important advisory. All private companies, factories, shops and—especially—institutions in the IT and ITES sector in Delhi have been advised to provide ‘work from home’ facility to their employees for at least two days a week. To avoid traffic jams during peak hours and prevent fuel wastage, companies have also been requested to staggered working hours. Additionally, the government has appealed to employees to carpool or use public transportation instead of driving alone.
**24 additional metro trips every Monday**
Following the government’s appeal, hoping that people would leave their private vehicles and use the metro, Delhi Metro has geared up for the challenge. Starting today, Delhi Metro is running six additional trains across its network. As a result, Metro will add 24 additional trips every Monday from now on. If needed, the frequency of services will be increased on other days also. According to Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director (Corporate Communications), DMRC, the aim of this initiative is to manage crowd, increase passenger convenience and support the country’s fuel saving efforts.
*DTC will increase connectivity;** **Hydrogen buses started in Central Vista**
Special arrangements have also been made to ensure that passengers do not face any problem in reaching their offices after deboarding the metro. DTC will use its fleet of around 1,500 ‘DEVi’ buses to strengthen connectivity at 52 major metro stations across Delhi. Additionally, with the dual objective of saving both environment and fuel, DMRC—in collaboration with Indian Oil (IOCL)—has launched a state-of-the-art hydrogen-based bus service in the Central Vista area.
**Why were these steps necessary?**
In fact, in the last three days, petrol and diesel prices have increased by ₹3 per liter in the Delhi-NCR region, while CNG prices have increased by a total of ₹3 per kg. Amid the deepening global crisis over crude oil, the government’s main focus is on finding ways to reduce domestic fuel consumption so as to preserve the country’s foreign exchange reserves.