Vehicle Procurement for Security Agencies Near Completion for Election

The Government of Nepal has entered the final stage of procuring new vehicles for Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department as part of preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the procurement process is moving rapidly following approval of necessary funds from the Ministry of Finance.

The accelerated purchase comes after widespread damage to security vehicles during the Gen Z protests earlier this year. Many essential vehicles were destroyed by fire and vandalism, prompting the government to provide replacement funds. According to the Home Ministry, all necessary vehicles will be in place before the elections to ensure uninterrupted security operations.

Nepal Police is set to acquire a total of 262 vehicles during the current fiscal year. Funding includes NPR 35.11 crore from the regular budget for 156 vehicles and NPR 45.30 crore from additional allocations for 106 more vehicles. Among the 156 vehicles funded by the regular budget are 75 pickup vans for patrolling, one prisoner van, 28 office utility vehicles, 41 electric vehicles, and 10 escort pickup vans. The new vehicles are intended to improve mobility, rapid response, and operational efficiency nationwide.

The Armed Police Force will receive 59 new vehicles, including 50 Bolero pickup vans, three disaster response vehicles, three riot control trucks, and two ambulances. These vehicles are expected to strengthen APF deployment capacity and emergency response during the election period.

For the National Investigation Department, six four-wheel vehicles have been approved with a total budget of NPR 2.8 crore. These vehicles will support surveillance and field operations in sensitive areas during the elections.

The Gen Z protests caused significant damage across security agencies. Nepal Police reported that 465 offices were affected, of which 449 have been repaired and returned to operation, while 571 vehicles were damaged. The Armed Police Force saw 84 offices affected and 61 vehicles destroyed. The National Investigation Department suffered damage to two buildings and three district offices, with 11 four-wheelers and 30 motorcycles lost. The total estimated cost of damage from the protests is approximately NPR 8.9 crore.

The Home Ministry emphasized that these procurement measures are aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and fear-free environment for the upcoming elections. The new vehicles will allow security agencies to maintain constant patrolling, rapid deployment, and efficient emergency response throughout the country.