UP plans tax relief for EVs, public transport vehicles to save fuel

Official foreign visits of department officers will remain suspended for the next six months, and virtual meetings will be preferred over physical meetings with officials posted outside the headquarters.

Bio-bitumen will be prioritized in construction works wherever feasible.

The minister said that the feasibility of mandatory PNG connections at depots and offices will also be examined.

The transport corporation’s canteens were directed to reduce the use of imported edible oils and encourage locally sourced products.

Officials were asked to study the 'Chandauli model' of energy generation through biogas and explore its implementation at corporation depots and workshops.

Offices and depots were directed to save electricity by switching off unnecessary lights, especially after 10 pm, and to maintain air-conditioner temperatures at 25-26 degrees Celsius.

Departments were asked to minimise the use of diesel and petrol as far as possible.

Singh ordered an audit of the 'pool car' system and directed that the allocation of surplus vehicles to officials be withdrawn.

Offices with more than 500 employees will be linked with special bus services through coordination between the transport department and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC).

The minister instructed the transport department to increase bus frequency during peak hours to discourage the use of private vehicles.

Uttar Pradesh transport minister Dayashankar Singh directed officials to prepare a proposal for exemptions in road tax and registration fees for electric and public transport vehicles for the next 12 months to promote fuel conservation and reduce dependence on private vehicles.