Punjab govt to spend Rs1.14 billion on 108 new vehicles for ministers, officers

The Punjab government has planned to procure 108 new vehicles at an estimated cost of Rs1.14 billion for ministers, senior officials and inspection teams during the ongoing fiscal year.

Official sources said the transport wing has forwarded recommendations to the provincial cabinet seeking approval for the proposed purchase. The summary includes a plan to acquire 28 vehicles for the provincial cabinet at a projected cost of Rs300 million.

The proposed fleet for cabinet members comprises one Toyota Land Cruiser, two Haval 1.5 vehicles, five Toyota Corolla Grande Altis, 10 Toyota Altis and 10 Toyota Yaris cars.

Additionally, the government has proposed the purchase of two bulletproof four-wheel-drive vehicles worth Rs40 million for two ministers. Permission for acquiring bulletproof vehicles had earlier been granted on security grounds.

Sources added that a separate recommendation to procure 25 vehicles worth Rs270 million for VIP security has already received approval.

For the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team, vehicles valued at Rs530 million have been proposed. These include 30 double-cabin pick-up trucks, 11 Toyota Yaris cars and three Toyota Altis vehicles.

The inspection fleet will also consist of Suzuki Cultus cars and motorcycles.

Officials said the procurement process will commence after final approval from the relevant authorities. The provincial administration maintains that the purchases are necessary to meet operational and security requirements amid ongoing fiscal management measures.