Punjab Govt's Big Ride: Mercedes-Benz Worth ₹1.25 Crore on the Cards!

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab government is set to purchase a high-end Mercedes-Benz vehicle, with an estimated price tag of ₹1.25 crore. This marks the first time the state is adding a Mercedes-Benz to its fleet of official vehicles. In addition to the base cost, the luxury car is also being made bulletproof, with the added security features expected to cost another ₹40 to ₹50 lakh.

According to sources, the purchase and bulletproofing process is being overseen by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and his team, who are responsible for the security of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The CM’s security team has confirmed the development, although full details remain undisclosed.

Traditionally, the Punjab government has provided Land Cruiser vehicles for the Chief Minister and Governor, while Innova Crysta models are allotted to cabinet ministers and MLAs. The transport department handles vehicle arrangements for most officials, but in the case of the CM and Governor, the security team takes charge due to the elevated threat perception and protocol, which mandates bulletproof vehicles in their convoys.

While the exact VIP for whom the Mercedes-Benz is being acquired remains under wraps, the vehicle’s inclusion in a high-security convoy indicates its use for a top-level dignitary. The CM’s security team has opted to keep this information confidential for security reasons.

The purchase has sparked curiosity and debate, especially regarding government expenditure on luxury vehicles. However, officials maintain that the decision is in line with necessary security upgrades for high-risk public figures.