A small effort made in the national interest can go a long way in boosting the country’s energy security, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Monday as she travelled to work by metro and an electric bus as part of the ‘Metro Monday’ initiative to promote sustainable mobility and fuel conservation.

Ms. Gupta was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh and Ravinder Singh Indraj, and senior government officials. The ‘Metro Monday’ initiative is part of a broader austerity and energy saving campaign, ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan’, which was announced by the Delhi government on May 14.

The measures include ‘work from home’ for government employees twice a week, reduced use of official vehicles, and greater reliance on virtual meetings to conserve fuel amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Ms. Gupta attended a meeting chaired by Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu before travelling by electric car to the Kashmere Gate metro station. After taking the train to the ITO metro station, the Chief Minister used an electric bus service to reach the Delhi Secretariat.

“Small efforts made in national interest play a significant role in strengthening the country’s energy security, environmental protection, and economic balance,” she said.

Ms. Gupta said greater use of metro services and Delhi Transport Corporation buses would help reduce fuel consumption while curbing traffic congestion and pollution.

She also appealed to residents to use public transport wherever possible. She added that the government is working towards improving public transport infrastructure and boosting last-mile connectivity.

‘Publicity stunt’

However, Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav criticised the initiative, terming it a “publicity stunt”. Mr. Yadav said ever since the BJP government came to power, people have only witnessed “gimmicks” and no constructive action to provide relief to the common people.

“How long would they travel by metro to show their so-called austerity, which is to mislead the people, with no genuine intention to practise austerity in governance?” he said.