Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at conserving fuel and improving energy efficiency, the Odisha government has issued fresh guidelines restricting the use of official vehicles across departments. The decision comes in response to growing fuel and energy concerns arising from the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The Finance Department on Thursday released an official memorandum directing all government departments, offices and officials to strictly follow the revised norms designed to optimise fuel consumption and reduce unnecessary use of government vehicles.
New Rules for Official Vehicle Allocation
Under the revised guidelines, only officers holding the rank of Special Secretary and above will be entitled to an independent official vehicle for official duties.
The government has also introduced new provisions for officers promoted to the rank of Additional Secretary on or after June 1, 2026.
According to the memorandum:
- Newly promoted Additional Secretaries will use vehicles on a pool basis.
- They will become eligible for an independent vehicle only after completing three years in the rank.
- The move is intended to reduce the number of dedicated vehicles in government departments.
Pool Vehicle System for Mid-Level Officers
The Finance Department has directed that officers from the rank of Under Secretary to Joint Secretary, along with officers of equivalent rank in various departments and directorates, will be provided access to shared or pool vehicles.
Under the new arrangement:
- Two to three officers will share a single vehicle.
- Pool vehicles will be used for official travel requirements.
- Departments have been asked to manage vehicle allocation efficiently to minimize fuel consumption.
Officials said the shared transportation model is expected to significantly reduce operational costs while ensuring smooth administrative functioning.
Preference for Bus and Rail Travel
In another major measure, the government has advised officers to avoid using official vehicles for long-distance travel within Odisha whenever feasible.
Instead, officials have been encouraged to:
- Travel by rail for official tours
- Use public bus services for long-distance journeys
- Limit the deployment of government vehicles to essential requirements
The directive aims to promote cost-effective travel while reducing fuel expenditure.
Response to Global Energy Challenges
The Finance Department stated that the measures have been introduced in view of the “prevailing fuel and energy challenges” linked to the recent crisis in West Asia.
With global energy markets facing uncertainty and fuel prices remaining sensitive to geopolitical developments, the state government is focusing on resource optimisation and prudent expenditure management.
Focus on Fuel Conservation and Efficiency
The latest guidelines reflect Odisha’s broader effort to promote efficient use of public resources while maintaining administrative productivity.
Officials believe the new vehicle-sharing policy and greater reliance on public transport will:
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Lower government expenditure
- Improve energy efficiency
- Promote sustainable administrative practices
- Minimize unnecessary use of official vehicles
The government has instructed all departments to ensure strict compliance with the new norms and implement the measures with immediate effect.
