Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary Walks to Secretariat, Sets Example for Eco-Friendly Governance in Patna on May 15, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a noticeable shift in travel habits was seen among Bihar’s political leaders on Friday, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary walking to the Secretariat instead of using his usual motorcade.
Security personnel accompanying the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary were also seen walking alongside him. Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash similarly walked from his official residence on Strand Road to Vikas Bhavan.
The move reflects a broader effort among ministers to reduce fuel consumption and promote environmentally friendly practices. While some ministers opted for a single vehicle instead of a convoy, others chose electric vehicles. The change in routine clearly indicates the impact of the Prime Minister’s appeal across the state.
On a typical day, the Chief Minister’s short journey to the Secretariat involves a convoy of around 19 vehicles. However, Friday presented a stark contrast, with the Chief Minister completing the journey on foot.
Deepak Prakash had earlier announced his intention to walk to the office once a week. Speaking during his walk, he said the initiative would benefit both the environment and personal health, while also reducing petrol and diesel consumption. He added that he would aim to minimise vehicle use on the remaining days as well.
“We are trying to reduce the number of vehicles as much as possible. Most departmental meetings are also being conducted via video conferencing to cut down fuel use,” he said.
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari arrived at his office in an e-rickshaw, raising slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” along the way. Other ministers, including Ashok Choudhary, Leshi Singh, and Shweta Gupta Singh, travelled in single vehicles, while Nitish Mishra used an electric vehicle.
Several ministers have indicated plans to further reduce their vehicle usage. Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan said that since the leadership had taken the initiative, they would do whatever was necessary in the national interest to conserve fuel and protect the environment. Planning and Development Minister Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha added that even though he did not previously have a large convoy, he would ensure minimal vehicle use without affecting government work.
Sources suggest that the Chief Minister and ministers in Bihar collectively use around 200 vehicles, consuming nearly 3,000 litres of fuel daily. This results in expenditure of several lakh rupees each month. If the current campaign continues, it could lead to significant savings for the state.
Political analysts believe that such steps, especially in the context of the global situation, send a positive message across the state. They suggest that wider adoption of electric vehicles in Patna could not only save fuel but also help reduce traffic congestion.
However, they also cautioned that security considerations must be kept in mind. Whether the initiative can be sustained over a long period remains to be seen, but if it continues, it could usher in a new administrative work culture, they added.
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