Smaller VIP Convoys in Pune After State Orders Cut in Government Expenditure
Pune, 14th May 2026: The convoy of vehicles accompanying VIP visits in the city will now be reduced by 50 per cent, as part of the Centre and state government’s policy to prioritise fuel conservation, control government expenditure and promote simplicity. Following the directive, Pune Police have decided to cut the number of vehicles used during VIP movements by half, meaning future VIP visits in the city will involve significantly smaller convoys.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for fuel and foreign exchange savings, the state government initiated several measures in this regard. In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, it was decided that the number of vehicles in ministers’ convoys would be reduced with immediate effect. The responsibility of ensuring that convoys do not exceed the prescribed number of vehicles during official tours outside headquarters has been assigned to the respective police commissioners and superintendents of police.
Accordingly, the number of vehicles in VIP convoys in Pune will also be reduced, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said.
Speaking about the move, Amitesh Kumar said, “Earlier, a VIP visit would generally involve a convoy of around 12 to 13 vehicles as per security and protocol requirements. However, this number will now be restricted to only five to six vehicles. In fact, several VIPs themselves are calling and requesting that the minimum possible number of vehicles be used during their visits.”
He added that unnecessary expenditure is also being curtailed across the state. Ministers and officials have been instructed to avoid the use of government aircraft and helicopters unless absolutely necessary, make greater use of public transport, conduct meetings through video conferencing wherever possible, and carry out strict reviews of government vehicle usage.
