Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to ban the use of red beacons atop vehicles of officials and dignitaries, including the Prime Minister.
President, Vice President and Chief Justice of India are exempted from the rule.
The decision comes into effect from May 1, 2017.
“Red beacon to be removed from cars of PM and all ministers. It will be allowed only on emergency service vehicles from May 1 to end VIP culture,” road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari told media.
Fire brigade, ambulance services, police vehicles and other emergency services will be allowed to use the blue beacon, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said.
The ban applies to the prime minister, union ministers, chief ministers, state cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the High Court and Supreme Court.
In 2013, the Supreme Court had dubbed the use of beacons by ministers and government officials “ridiculous and synonymous with power” and said they should be removed immediately.
