PM encouraging people to use public transport: Javadekar

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar today said that excessive use of private transport was the main reason for poor air quality in Delhi and by travelling in metro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is encouraging people to use public transport.

"The reason for poor air quality is because of excessive use of private vehicles. As the Prime Minister himself took the metro, he is giving the message to people to use metro and public transport. During an environment conference, he had urged people to use bicycle. He has set an example," Javadekar said on the sidelines of an event here.

For the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today travelled by Metro from Dhaula Kuan to Dwarka where he was going for a function. He took the Metro to avoid inconvenience to the public on the route because of the security arrangements, sources said. The Prime Minister was to attend a function of the National Intelligence Academy.

"World is discussing climate change and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is saying that Indian style is environment friendly. Therefore he wants people to resort to public transport more.

"He is giving the message that people should opt out private vehicles and even use cycle on some occasions. PM's going by metro emphasises the need for adopting public transport. That is a big message," Javadekar said.

The Prime Minister later said that he enjoyed the Metro ride.

"Sreedharan ji would always tell me to experience the Delhi Metro. Today I had the opportunity to do so on the way to Dwarka," he tweeted.

"Really enjoyed the ride. Thanks Delhi Metro. Thanks Sreedharan ji!," he said.