Following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote energy conservation and reduce urban congestion, the Ministry of Power has introduced a series of measures encouraging employees to work from home and make greater use of public transport.
The ministry issued an advisory urging its departments, public sector undertakings, and affiliated offices to adopt flexible working arrangements wherever feasible. Officials said the move is aimed at cutting fuel consumption, easing pressure on transport infrastructure, and supporting broader sustainability goals.
Under the new initiative, employees have been encouraged to use metro services, buses, and shared mobility options instead of private vehicles. Departments have also been asked to stagger office timings and reduce non-essential travel in order to minimize traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.
The push comes after Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for responsible energy usage and environmentally conscious lifestyles during a recent public address. The Prime Minister reportedly highlighted how small behavioural changes by citizens and institutions could collectively contribute to energy security and pollution control.
According to officials, the work-from-home model will be implemented selectively depending on operational requirements, with digital coordination tools being used to maintain efficiency and productivity. The ministry believes the initiative could also improve employee work-life balance while reducing commuting stress in major cities.
Several government-linked organizations are expected to review their internal policies in line with the advisory. Experts say the measures could significantly reduce peak-hour traffic and fuel demand if adopted on a larger scale across ministries and private companies.
The initiative has sparked discussions on whether hybrid work culture, which expanded rapidly during the pandemic years, may once again become a long-term strategy for both environmental and economic benefits in India.
