State revises hiring rates for poll vehicles

Kolkata: Bengal govt has revised hiring charges for vehicles, vessels, and other logistics for the 2026 assembly elections, introducing an average 10% increase over rates fixed during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The new rates, cleared by the finance dept, will standardise payments across districts and take immediate effect, says the notification issued by transport secretary Saumitra Mohan.The revised structure spans a wide range of transport categories, including buses, minibuses, small passenger vehicles, goods carriers, and river vessels, along with fixed allowances for fuel consumption and crew meals.Under the new rates, buses will be hired at Rs 2,780 per day (excluding fuel), while minibuses will cost Rs 2,300. Small passenger vehicles (up to seven seats) can be hired at Rs 980, autos at Rs 550, and e-rickshaws at Rs 850, inclusive of charging costs. Goods vehicle charges range from Rs 980 for smaller units to Rs 2,240 for higher-capacity trucks.Water transport will cost between Rs 3,100 and Rs 3,550 per day, depending on passenger capacity. AC vehicles for election observers have been fixed at Rs 1,350 for cars and Rs 1,690 for larger vehicles. A uniform daily meal allowance of Rs 280 per person has been set for drivers, khalasis, and vessel crew.Officials said this aims at reflecting rising operational costs while ensuring transparency. "Standardised rates will help avoid disputes and ensure timely availability of vehicles during poll duty," a senior official said. Full-day charges will apply for duties exceeding eight hours, while half-day rates will apply for shorter durations.