Gangtok, May 18: The Sikkim government has begun enforcing the odd-even vehicle restriction system across the state from Monday, aiming to conserve fuel while ensuring commuters face minimal disruption. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to reduce fuel consumption in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

According to a notification issued by the state transport department, the regulation took effect on May 18, with measures in place to strengthen public transport services. City Runner buses in Gangtok will operate every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the Ranipool–Secretariat–Ranipool route to accommodate commuters affected by the restriction.

Officials confirmed that all public transport services, including Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses across the six districts, will continue uninterrupted. Weekend services will also remain operational to ensure consistent mobility. Taxis, both local and inter-district, will function as per their permitted routes, with the state currently registering 15,548 taxis and 6,474 maxi cabs.

The transport department stated that the initiative is designed to balance fuel conservation with commuter convenience, maintaining efficient public transport during the enforcement of the odd-even system.