Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to conserve fuel and reduce government expenditure on petrol and diesel, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to rationalise the use of its official vehicles. The step follows directives issued by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to ensure efficient fuel usage across government departments and institutions.

As per a recent BDA order, the monthly vehicle usage limit for entitled officers has been reduced to 1,500 kilometres from the earlier 2,000 kilometres. The move is expected to bring down the authority’s monthly fuel expenditure by around 25 per cent.

The order stated, in line with the government’s instructions on expenditure rationalisation and optimal utilisation of official vehicles, the revised limit will take immediate effect. The measure will remain in force temporarily until the prevailing fuel shortage situation improves or further directives are issued.

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the authority is also promoting virtual meetings, review sessions, training programmes and workshops to minimise fuel consumption. Officials have been advised to use public transport wherever feasible.

The initiative is part of the Chief Minister’s eight-point directive issued in May, aimed at reducing petrol and diesel consumption and promoting energy-efficient governance across Odisha, said official sources.