Gujarat Govt Announces Revised Vehicle Procurement Policy

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has revised its vehicle procurement policy to address the changing requirements of government departments, introducing two new categories for field inspection, enforcement and off-road duties while expanding the options for electric vehicles (EVs).

The revised policy, introduced under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, adds Category-F for field inspection and enforcement vehicles and Category-F1 for officers performing off-road duties. It also includes electric vehicles such as the Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro 39.4 kWh and Tata Nexon EV Creative 45 in the new field category.

The amendment builds on the vehicle procurement policy issued on April 11, 2023, which replaced the earlier 2019 policy. The 2023 revision was introduced after the production of some older vehicle models was discontinued and newer vehicles with updated technology became available.

New category for field inspection and enforcement

Category-F has been introduced for field inspection and enforcement duties. The approved vehicles include the Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 4X4, Mahindra Thar Roxx MX5, Mahindra Bolero Neo N10 (O), Kia Carens Clavis HTE (O), Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus and Toyota Rumion V.

The category also includes two EV models: the Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro 39.4 kWh and Tata Nexon EV Creative 45.

The inclusion of electric vehicles expands their role in the government fleet beyond regular office use, allowing departments to consider EVs for field-related duties as well.

Category-F1 for officers performing off-road duties

The second addition, Category-F1, caters to officers who require vehicles for off-road operations. It covers departments such as Home; Forest and Environment; Industries and Mines; Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar; Panchayats and Rural Housing; Ports and Transport; Roads and Buildings; and Revenue.

In addition to the vehicles listed under Category-F, this category includes the Tata Yodha Pickup, Isuzu V-Cross 4WD Z, Mahindra Bolero Pick-Up 4WD and Mahindra Bolero Camper Gold RX 4WD.

The provision is intended to address the requirements of officers working in remote areas, forests, mining zones, construction sites and other locations where rough terrain and unpaved roads may require specialised vehicles.

Existing vehicle categories retained

The 2023 policy established a designation-based framework for government vehicle procurement, covering categories from A to E, along with subcategory A1.

Category-A covered ministers and the Chief Secretary, while Category-A1 was meant for VVIP state guests. Category-B covered heads of constitutional bodies, boards, corporations and similar institutions. Category-C covered district-level officials, including Collectors, District Development Officers (DDOs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs).

Category-D covered heads of departments and equivalent officials, while Category-E provided for staff cars for government offices.

The 2026 amendment retains the existing framework while adding provisions based on the functional requirements of government personnel.

Revised policy expands EV options

The 2023 policy had included the Tata Tigor EV XE under Categories-D and E. It also allowed certain officials operating in Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar or within a 50-km radius to opt for an electric vehicle in the same category and price range.

The latest amendment expands these options by including newer EV models under Category-F, extending electric mobility choices to field inspection and enforcement duties.

The move is in line with Gujarat’s broader efforts to encourage cleaner transportation and increase the adoption of electric vehicles in government operations.

Procurement rules and financial discipline remain in place

The revised policy retains the existing procurement safeguards. Under the 2023 framework, prescribed vehicles must be purchased through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at prevailing market prices.

Purchases outside the prescribed categories require approval from the competent authority, supported by valid reasons and prior government approval.

With the addition of categories for field inspection and off-road duties, the revised policy seeks to align vehicle selection more closely with the nature of official work while retaining the existing procurement framework.

Overall, the amendment expands Gujarat’s government vehicle procurement policy from a primarily designation-based system to one that also accounts for operational requirements. The inclusion of EVs for field duties and specialised vehicles for off-road operations are among its key changes. DeshGujarat