Government to hire 300 luxury cars for India-Africa Summit 2015

The India-Africa Summit 2015 is all set to be held this year in October in New Delhi. Being the host nation, our government is leaving no stone unturned to impress our International guests. Reportedly as a part of the preparation, the Central Secretariat has hired 300 luxury cars for African leader and delegates who are to visit our country.

This particular summit is one of the most important events for India, Hence, the Central Secretariat, also known as the South Block in Delhi, has ensured that our guests make the best of their stay in the country. Therefore, authorities are being very particular is choosing the car companies. Moreover to ensure the quality of service, additional penalties have been articulated to keep these luxury car drivers in check.

The Ministry of External Affairs last week released a tender the document for the fleet of luxury cars. South Block is looking at hiring Mercedes-Benz E250 or E350 (black or dark colour), BMW 5 series, Audi or Toyota Camry (white) and Toyota Corolla (white) cars for the Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of the 54 African countries. Additionally the Secretariat will also requested for vehicles like Tata Safari Storme, Tata Star Bus, Tata Van, Toyota Hiace, Mercedes Benz Viano vans and equivalent cars/ vans of other make to ferry mid and junior African officials.

The Ministry has also been very particular about the quality of the vehicles that rental companies will provide. If the air-conditioning doesn’t work or malfunction, the company would have to provide another vehicle within an hour. In case of a breakdown en route, the ministry would arrange another car for the delegate, the payment of which would be borne by the contractor.

Few Penalties that will be levied on the contractor or drivers:

INR 200 fine for cars that smells and the seat covers are not clean. The fine will be increased to INR 500 if the car smells for the second day and is found to be unclean.

INR 2,000 penalty if the car arrives more than 15 minutes late, INR 800 if late by 10-15 minutes, INR 500 if late by up to 10 minutes.

INR 500-1,000 penalty if the driver is not dressed “appropriately”.

INR 1,000-2,000 penalty if the driver misbehaves.

INR 1,000-2,000 penalty in case of tampering of meter.

INR 1,000-2,000 penalty in case of irregularities such as overwriting, forged entries in the log book.