In a major push toward sustainable urban commuting and fuel conservation, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday travelled by Metro and public buses along with several cabinet ministers under the newly launched “Metro Monday” initiative. The campaign forms part of the broader “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” programme aimed at encouraging citizens to reduce fuel consumption and adopt environmentally responsible travel practices.

The initiative was launched in response to growing concerns over fuel conservation and rising environmental challenges, with the Delhi government seeking to promote wider use of public transport systems across the national capital. Senior ministers, bureaucrats and government officials joined the campaign by commuting through Metro trains, feeder buses and electric public transport services instead of official vehicles.

According to officials, the Chief Minister began her journey by walking from her residence for an official meeting before boarding the Metro from Kashmere Gate station to ITO. She later used a feeder bus service to reach the Delhi Secretariat, sending a symbolic message encouraging citizens to shift from private vehicles to mass transit systems.

Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Verma and Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh accompanied the Chief Minister during the commute and interacted with passengers travelling on the route. Several other ministers also participated in the initiative by using Metro services from different parts of Delhi.   

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh travelled through the Metro network from Uttam Nagar East to RK Ashram Marg, while Education Minister Ashish Sood combined Metro travel with e-rickshaw and shuttle bus services to reach official engagements in north Delhi. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also joined the campaign by using Metro services for office travel.

The Delhi government stated that the campaign is intended to create public awareness about energy conservation and responsible commuting habits. Officials highlighted that increased use of Metro trains, buses and carpooling can significantly reduce fuel dependency, traffic congestion and air pollution in the city.

Addressing citizens during the campaign, Rekha Gupta appealed to residents to actively participate in fuel-saving efforts by using public transport wherever possible. She emphasised that even small individual contributions could collectively strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce environmental stress in urban areas.

The “Metro Monday” campaign is also linked to a wider administrative effort being planned by the Delhi government. Measures under consideration include encouraging work-from-home arrangements for government employees on selected days, reducing the use of official vehicles, promoting virtual meetings and expanding last-mile public transport connectivity.

Officials said additional Metro trips and feeder bus services were arranged to support the campaign and ensure smoother travel for commuters participating in the initiative. The administration believes the programme could evolve into a long-term behavioural movement encouraging sustainable transport practices among Delhi residents.

The campaign comes at a time when governments across India are increasingly focusing on reducing fuel consumption, improving urban mobility and promoting cleaner modes of transportation amid rising concerns over pollution and global energy uncertainty. Delhi authorities hope that regular public participation in initiatives like “Metro Monday” will contribute to lower emissions and more efficient transport management in the capital.