In a small lane, 20-odd workers are busy customising a Tempo Traveller. They will turn it into mini mobile homes for the comfort of political party leaders and their candidates for the Lok Sabha election campaign.
Koyas and Sons in Coimbatore customise caravans throughout the year. Seasonally, they customise Tempo Traveller into a mini home for campaign tours, says P.V. Mohammed Riaz, managing partner.
About 20 days is required for basic refit, but for a complete refurbishing with all facilities it will take at least two to three months.
Political parties say the cost ranges between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. Candidates prefer jeeps redone with a small platform and flooring with hand railings to hold on. Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan and Kollywood star Rajnikanth also had their caravans done by Koyas, whereas Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leaders M. Karunanidhi and M.K. Stalin, and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa had their vehicles customised.
When late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi saw the seating comfort in the car of former Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran, he immediately flew down his Ambassador from New Delhi to the Sulur Air base and from there to Koyas for refurbishing, Mr. Riaz said.
Koyas does the sun-roofing with a small opening at the top of the vehicle from which leaders/candidates emerge using manual or hydraulic platforms. Motorised revolving chairs, a public address system with corded and cordless microphones are regular preferences. Small fans and even additional air conditioner blowers are part of the alterations.
Customising includes cosy sofas, a small bed reclining chairs and even toilets and geysers.
