Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday got himself a swanky bus from the Mercedes Benz stable, a 22-seater powered by a 300 HP that he plans to use for his tours in the districts, at a total landing cost of Rs. 5 crore.
However, the bus developed some technical problems and has been brought to the Mercedes Benz garage at Autonagar, near Vanasthalipuram. A team is working on it when last reports came in. Some minor changes in the interiors are also being made.
Earlier, Mr. Rao travelled the short distance from the Chilkur Balaji temple to the venue of the public meeting by bus, to launch ‘Haritha Haaram’. After the 12-metre chassis was bought, it was taken to the JCBL body building plant in Chandigarh where it took engineers and workmen about four months to custom-build it to Mr. Rao’s requirements.
The milk-white coloured bus is fully bullet-proof and the chassis has been reinforced for it to withstand a landmine blast too, apart from being fashioned as a complete office-on-the-go for a Chief Minister. It has tele- and video-conferencing facilities and Mr. Rao will use a satellite phone while travelling by the bus. While it can comfortably seat 22 people, it also boasts of space for holding meetings with key officers and two restrooms.
A metal staircase leads to the rooftop that has a low railing for Mr. Rao to hold on to, while addressing impromptu meetings during his tours. It is learnt that despite suggestions that a bedroom be built into it, the Chief Minister did not wish for one, saying he was only for comfort and convenience but not luxury.
