From Innova Hycross to Verna, PMC to spend Rs 6.8 crore to buy SUVs, sedans for new officials

4 minutes of readingPuneFebruary 10, 2026 22:42 IST

With the newly elected body and officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), come new cars for official purposes, including premium SUVs, for the newly elected mayor and deputy mayor, along with the chairmen of various committees who are yet to be elected. The Pune civic body has decided to purchase 28 vehicles for the elected representatives who would occupy various positions in the civic body.

In a proposal approved by the civic standing committee, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram decided to purchase two vehicles for the mayor and standing committee chairman, one vehicle for the deputy mayor, leader of opposition, leader of the House and chairmen of various committees, including Legal Affairs, Women and Child Welfare, Sports, City Improvement and Biodiversity. So, 15 vehicles, one for each of the 15 neighborhood committees.

There are a total of 1,259 vehicles owned by PMC, but there are only 127 vehicles in the car and jeep category. Of the 127, there are 44 jeeps and 83 cars, including 27 Ambassador cars. “230 vehicles are required for daily use in PMC. Civic elections have been held recently and there is a need to provide official vehicles to the new officials for which 28 cars are required but currently they are not available in the civic body. Therefore, the new vehicles need to be purchased,” the civic chief said.

He said the mayor has to provide premium SUVs and sedans for all officials, including the mayor and the chairman of various civic committees.

There is a cost limit set by the state government for the purchase of vehicles for civil servants and civic officials. Accordingly, the mayor will buy an Innova Hycross Hybrid for Rs 28.90 lakh and a Verna for Rs 15.92 lakh. The Chairman of the Standing Committee will receive a Victoris model SUV of Rs 17.72 lakh and a Verna car of Rs 15.92 lakh.

For the deputy mayor and leader of the House, a Verna car worth Rs 15.92 lakh each will be purchased, while the opposition leader will get a Victoris worth Rs 17.72 lakh. The PMC would also buy grand vitara at a cost of Rs 16.56 lakh each for the chairpersons of the Legal Affairs, Women and Child Welfare, Sports, Biodiversity, Name and 15 district committees. The Chairman of the City Improvement Committee will receive Victoris worth Rs 17.72 lakh. The proposal stated that the Innova Hycross would be purchased as is in the premium SUV category and that all other vehicles, Grand Vitara, Verana and Victoris, would be in the Sedan category.

“The total expenditure for purchasing the vehicles is Rs 6.8 million, but the budgetary provision is only Rs 1.5 million in the financial year, which means an additional Rs 5.3 million needs to be made available,” he said, adding that the PMC was going to spend Rs 8 million on purchasing Hazmat vehicles for the fire department, but could only spend Rs 2.7 million, so the remaining funds can be used to purchase the cars for the officials and a municipal commissioner, as well as for three additional municipal commissioners.

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Within the rules of the state government, the PMC has decided to purchase a premium SUV – seven-seater Innova Hycross, one for the mayor, municipal commissioner and three additional municipal commissioners.

The municipal commissioner said that it is recommended to purchase vehicles from suzuki maruti India Ltd and hyundai Motors India Ltd, as their models are of good standards and have good after-sales services.

The civic entity has acquired vehicles manufactured by toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd and their after-sales service are satisfactory, so the vehicles can also be purchased from them.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a ‘Bharat Mandapam’ style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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