Date:15/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/15/stories/2008051554400600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Bullet-proof bus for YSR’s poll campaign

Special Correspondent

Chief Minister to launch campaign from Chevella

Photo: Satish H.

Campaign vehicle: The new bullet and mine proof luxury bus specially designed for Chief Minister Y.S Rajasekhara Reddy’s use. —

HYDERABAD: The State Government has acquired a swank new bullet and mine-proof bus for use by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the election campaign for the bypolls. He will launch the campaign using the bus from Chevella in Ranga Reddy district on Thursday.

The bus, which was designed with technical knowhow from the AP State Road Transport Corporation, exclusively for Dr. Reddy, was shown to the Chief Minister at his camp office on Wednesday evening. It is a modified version of Volvo brand of buses. The Congress would pay the rent to APSRTC which would be responsible for its maintenance, sources said.

All comforts

The bus has all the facilities to make the travel by the occupants comfortable. It has a toilet, cot, a fax machine and a 42 inch LCD TV. The seating capacity of the bus is a mere eight. A significant security measure in the bus is a bullet-proof glass casing which will pop up from the sun roof whenever Dr. Reddy wants to address crowds from the vehicle. The VIP would stand inside the glass as he gave audience. Incidentally, the bus is also registered with the trade mark number of Dr. Reddy – 2345.