India, Oct. 10 -- Even as the state government struggles to mobilise funds for drought mitigation measures, it has decided to spend Rs.12.68 crore on buying 44 new vehicles for VVIPs visiting Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The most expensive acquisition is a bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser costing Rs.4.08 crore, which will be stationed in Mumbai for VVIP security.

According to a government resolution (GR) issued on Friday, the government has approved the purchase of 44 vehicles to replace its existing fleet reserved for VVIPs. The fleet comprises 32 Toyota Innova Crystas, two Toyota Fortuners, seven Maruti Ertigas, a towing vehicle and an Urbania bus apart from the bulletproof Land Cruiser.

"These vehicles are used to transport ...