Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has spent over Rs 11.4 lakh on the official vehicle used by the municipal commissioner over the past five years, according to records. The expenditure includes Rs 4.94 lakh on repairs and maintenance and another Rs 6.5 lakh on diesel, prompting questions about the sharp rise in upkeep costs despite largely stable fuel consumption.
Diesel Consumption Stable, Maintenance Costs Fluctuate
Annual diesel consumption remained in the range of 1,200 to 1,600 litres, but maintenance expenditure fluctuated significantly. Repair costs stood at Rs 38,503 in 2021-22 and Rs 30,201 in 2022-23 before jumping to Rs 1.50 lakh in 2023-24. The expenditure remained high at Rs 97,007 in 2024-25.
Highest Repair Bill in 2025-26
The highest maintenance bill was recorded in 2025-26, when NMC spent Rs 1.77 lakh on repairs alone — nearly six times the amount incurred in 2022-23. In the same year, diesel expenditure was Rs 1.29 lakh for 1,435 litres, broadly consistent with previous years.
Data Provided by Workshop Department
The figures, provided by NMC's workshop department to former NCP corporator Vedprakash Arya, relate to the commissioner's official vehicle, including the Tata Hexa (MH-31-FA-9941) and other vehicles assigned to the post during the period.
Questions Over Escalating Repair Bills
The data has raised questions about whether the escalating repair bills reflect an ageing vehicle fleet, recurring mechanical failures, or shortcomings in maintenance practices. Arya has sought greater transparency regarding the maintenance work carried out on official vehicles, arguing that spending from the public exchequer must be subject to scrutiny, particularly when NMC frequently cites financial constraints in executing civic projects and infrastructure works.
Year-wise Expenditure Breakdown
- 2021-22: Repair & Maintenance: Rs 38,503; Diesel Expenditure: Rs 1,12,602 (1,207 litres)
- 2022-23: Repair & Maintenance: Rs 30,201; Diesel Expenditure: Rs 1,52,575 (1,620 litres)
- 2023-24: Repair & Maintenance: Rs 1,50,971; Diesel Expenditure: Rs 1,31,841 (1,425 litres)
- 2024-25: Repair & Maintenance: Rs 97,007; Diesel Expenditure: Rs 1,23,559 (1,365 litres)
- 2025-26: Repair & Maintenance: Rs 1,77,755; Diesel Expenditure: Rs 1,29,954 (1,435 litres)
