In a major crackdown to to end 'Lal Batti' and the VIP culture, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided that red beacon light will be removed from all vehicles, including that of Prime Minister, from May 1.
The red beacons will be allowed only for emergency vehicles and enforcement agencies.
The move allows red beacons only on vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and ambulances, to ensure passage through traffic.
"In a historic decision, the Cabinet has decided that beacon lights will be removed from all vehicles, barring emergency services vehicles, from May 1," Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
Gadkari is the first minister to remove the beacon from his official vehicle.
The minister said "this government is a government of common masses and has decided to abolish VIP culture of beacon lights and sirens".
The notification in this regard will be issued soon, he said, adding that the decision is a democratic one.
In 2013, the Supreme Court had termed the use of red beacon lights by ministers and government officials “ridiculous and synonymous with power” and said they should be removed immediately.
With inputs from PTI
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