Ambulance outside CM Revantha Convoy, now reduced to three from 11

Security guards rush to cover the small fleet of the Chief Minister’s convoy at the Hyderabad Secretariat after the Chief Minister decided to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

The ambulance that normally accompanies the Chief Minister’s convoy has been removed from A. Revanth Reddy’s fleet after he decided to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy.

In a decision to promote fuel economy, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal over the crisis in West Asia, the CM has drastically reduced his official convoy from nine vehicles to just three.

For years, an ambulance equipped with a doctor and support staff was a mandatory part of the Chief Minister’s convoy to respond to medical emergencies. However, officials said the ambulance has now been phased out as part of downsizing.

Currently, the convoy consists of only the pilot vehicle, followed by the Chief Minister’s car, followed by another security vehicle. Previously, the ambulance pulled the convoy as an emergency support vehicle.

However, the sharp reduction in the size of the convoy has reportedly created operational problems for the security and official teams accompanying the chief minister. Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and public relations staff, who usually travel in separate vehicles, are now accommodated in a single escort vehicle behind the Prime Minister’s car. It is assumed that the same vehicle will also serve as a backup in the event of a technical problem on the CM vehicle.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also directed police officials not to stop traffic for the movement of his convoy. Earlier, the traffic was stopped for five to 10 minutes for the smooth passage of the convoy, the delay sometimes extended further depending on the local police.

The decision followed repeated media reports highlighting the inconvenience faced by commuters and a viral video showing motorists arguing with police over lengthy traffic stops. After the incidents, Mr. Reddy directed Director General of Police CV Anand to ensure that common citizens are not forced to wait on roads for his movements.

Police officials said that for the past 10 days, the chief minister’s convoy has been moving amidst regular traffic without causing much disruption. While commuters have largely welcomed the move, security officials say it has raised new concerns.

According to senior police officials, many commuters now deliberately slow down their vehicles to wave at the chief minister or try to shoot a video of his car while driving along the motorcade. “We have found it difficult to prevent such filming. It slows down traffic movement and also poses a security risk,” said a senior official.

Published – 24 May 2026 17:14 IST