Odisha Restricts Official Vehicle Use Amid Fuel Concerns Triggered by West Asia Crisis

According to a memorandum issued by the Finance Department on Thursday, only officers holding the rank of Special Secretary will be entitled to an independent official vehicle for government use. The decision marks a major shift in the allocation of government transport resources across senior administrative ranks.

The memorandum further stipulates that officers promoted to the rank of Additional Secretary on or after June 1 must mandatorily rely on pool vehicles for official duties. These officers will become eligible for an independent vehicle only after completing three years of service in the rank of Additional Secretary. However, the order clarifies that this restriction will not apply to officers who were already allotted independent vehicles on or before May 31, ensuring that existing allocations remain unaffected.

Extending the rationalisation measures across the administrative hierarchy, the directive states that officers in the ranks ranging from Under Secretary to Joint Secretary working in administrative departments, along with officers of equivalent rank serving as heads of departments, may be provided with pool vehicles instead of dedicated transport. The policy mandates that at least two to three officers share a single pool vehicle to optimise usage and reduce operational costs.

Austerity measures in view of fuel & energy challenges #Odisha

Newly-promoted addl secy & below rank officers to use official vehicles on pool basis; travelling via bus or rail while on official tour pic.twitter.com/dxRzMgA2Ax

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— Sujit Bisoyi (@bisoyisujit87) June 11, 2026

The memorandum also specifies a uniform monthly deduction of ₹1,680 for the use of official pool vehicles, irrespective of the officer’s rank, as prescribed by the Finance Department. In addition, it advises that during official travel to distant locations within the state, officers should, wherever practicable, prefer public transport such as buses or trains instead of official vehicles.

These instructions have been issued in view of the prevailing fuel and energy challenges arising from the recent West Asia crisis, according to the official communication. The order further states that the provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to all state government undertakings, autonomous institutions, universities, and societies operating under the state.

The sweeping reform underscores the state administration’s attempt to streamline public expenditure, enforce resource efficiency, and standardise vehicle usage protocols across multiple tiers of governance institutions.