New Delhi: Public Works Department (PWD) has imposed an immediate halt on foreign travel by officials after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to avoid non-essential foreign travel amid the escalating West Asia crisis.According to the department, which has issued an order on the matter, no personal or official visit abroad will be allowed until further instructions.A senior official said all pending proposals for overseas travel have been ordered to be dropped. Leaves already sanctioned will be cancelled.PWD minister Parvesh Verma said: “At a time when the focus must remain on strengthening systems at home, this is a necessary step towards accountability.. This is not about limiting work. It is about aligning our priorities with the needs of the country. When govt leads by example, change follows naturally.”Employees have been told to use public transport and electric vehicles. The department has also been asked to speed up electrification of its vehicle fleet. “Vehicle pooling and carpooling to be used for inspections, field visits and travel to offices wherever feasible,” the order said. During inspections, inaugurations and official events, officers have been instructed to travel together in pooled vehicles, EVs or use public transport.The department has decided to encourage working online.The department has announced that one day every week will be observed as “No Car Day”, when staff will be encouraged to use public transport or plan shared commutes.All PWD offices and establishments will ensure installation and operationalisation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.The department has also directed that only organic manure be used in horticulture operations and that green waste processing plants be set up on priority.Officials have been instructed to submit weekly compliance reports regarding the implementation of these measures.
