India, May 14 -- Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, trimming his convoy, several Delhi ministers on Wednesday did away with official frills and travelled in Metro, e-rickshaw and DTC buses.

However, the larger question remains for how long the leaders will sustain this or whether opting for public transport is just for optics.

Also, the austerity drive to reduce fuel consumption will test Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's political mettle when she tightens the belt to cut down avoidable expenditure and directs the bureaucracy to do the same.

She has already announced limits on official vehicles used by ministers, MLAs and other public representatives. The chief minister also urged Delhi residents to adopt carpooling and m...