Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has accorded sanction to  purchase 24 new Innova Hycross vehicles for the official travel of ministers and the Chief Secretary. The procurement is expected to incur an expenditure of ₹9.60 crore.

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Of the 24 sanctioned vehicles, 22 will be allotted to Ministers and the Chief Secretary. The remaining two vehicles will be utilised for protocol duties in connection with the visits of VIPs and foreign dignitaries.

According to sources, the decision to procure new vehicles was taken after considering that the cars currently used by Ministers have suffered breakdowns due to age and are incurring high maintenance costs. The Department of Tourism has been entrusted with the responsibility of purchasing the vehicles.