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Delhi govt announces fuel-saving advisory for private firms; DMRC to add train trips

Delhi government advises private firms to adopt two-day work from home and public transport measures to conserve fuel nationwide.

By Srijoni Dutta

May 18, 2026 13:42 IST

A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to save fuel amid West Asia crisis, the Delhi government urged private companies to allow employees to work from home for two days a week. The advisory has exempted private companies that provide essential services from following the work-from-home recommendation.

The decision comes after the Delhi government introduced a similar two-day work-from-home rule for government employees. People have also been encouraged to use public transport and carpooling to reduce fuel use.

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What did Delhi govt advise private firms to do for fuel conservation

Apart from this, private companies have also been advised to change office timings and encourage employees to do carpooling with colleagues to help save fuel, PTI reported.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the advisory issued by Delhi’s labour department said, “In order to contribute to national fuel conservation efforts, all employers of industrial establishments, factories, shops and commercial establishments in Delhi, including IT, IT Enabled Services (ITES), among others are strongly encouraged to implement a minimum of two days of work-from-home per week.”

However, companies involved in essential services have been exempted from this recommendation. These include hospitals, healthcare centres, electricity, water, sanitation and related municipal services. The Labour department also said that because of the current global situation, it is important to save fuel like petrol, diesel and CNG and use them carefully.



How will DMRC support Delhi’s fuel-saving campaign

The advisory said that travelling to and from offices is one of the biggest reasons for daily fuel use in Delhi and encouraged people to use public transport. To support this, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is expected to run 24 extra train trips every Monday from May 18 by adding six more trains. According to ANI, these extra trips may also be added on other days if needed.

The advisory added that if private companies follow work-from-home measures, a large amount of fuel can be saved.

The advisory also said that work-from-home had already proved to be possible during COVID-19 and GRAP-related restrictions, PTI reported. It suggested staggered office timings to reduce traffic during peak hours. Employees were also encouraged to use public transport, carpooling, or non-motorised travel options. Apart from this, the advisory recommended virtual meetings, online sessions, and proper IT support to make work-from-home operations easier.

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What fuel-saving measures has Delhi government already announced?

The Delhi government has already announced several measures to save fuel. These include allowing government employees to work from home for two days every week, changing office timings, and banning official foreign travel for the next year.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta launched the 90-day ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan’ fuel-saving campaign and promoted the use of public transport and work-from-home in government offices. She also said private companies would be included in the campaign, with the labour department checking its implementation.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to reduce petrol and diesel use, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, reduce gold purchases, and follow fuel-saving measures.

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