India, May 20 -- The Chandigarh administration has announced a vehicle-free day every Wednesday for government employees, starting this week, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity and reduced fuel consumption.

To support the initiative, special bus services have been arranged across 17 routes in the tricity area for employees working in government offices.

Officials said the transport arrangement will cover staff of the UT secretariat, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab Civil Secretariat and offices located near Sukhna Lake.

The move follows directions from Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who urged officials to avoid using four-wheelers on Wednesdays and adopt public transport, cycl...