Parties prep custom campaign vehicles in Visakhapatnam ahead of local body elections

A four-wheeler is being customised into a campaign vehicle ahead of the local body elections in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT With the local body elections drawing closer, aspiring candidates and sitting corporators from all political parties have begun preparations for the campaign, with specially designed election vehicles taking shape across Visakhapatnam.From open-stage vans and fully enclosed campaign vehicles to customised vehicles designed for leaders to address voters while on the move, different types of campaign vehicles are being prepared to cater to the needs of political parties.Srinivas of SV Engineering Works, at Parawada, who has been in the business of designing and customizing election campaign vehicles for several years, said that he had started receiving orders over the past few weeks in anticipation of the elections. With demand picking up, he is racing against time to complete the vehicles and deliver them within the stipulated deadlines.“There are different types of campaign vehicles, depending on the requirements of candidates and political parties. Some prefer customised pickup vans that allow leaders and their team members to stand and address people during the campaign. Others opt for open-stage vehicles with platforms at the rear, which can be used for public meetings and speeches,” he said.Fully enclosed campaign trucks and vehicles equipped with display facilities are also being designed to cater to different campaign strategies.The vehicles are equipped with facilities such as LED screens, sound systems, and generator sets to support campaign activities. Painting, branding, and other customised features are also incorporated according to the requirements of individual candidates and political parties.According to Mr. Srinivas, the cost of designing and customising an election campaign vehicle ranges from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹7 lakh, depending on the vehicle model, the type of structure required and the additional facilities to be installed.Meanwhile, with the election notification expected to be issued in the coming days, sitting corporators have begun preparing for the electoral battle, with several of them focusing on strengthening their local networks and assessing their prospects in their respective wards.The anticipated announcement of the election schedule has prompted prospective candidates to step up their preparations, including reviewing development works taken up in their wards, identifying pending civic issues and planning their outreach to residents. Sitting corporators are likely to highlight the works completed during their tenure, while also seeking to address public concerns over sanitation, drinking water supply, roads, drainage and other civic amenities. Published - October 10, 2026 07:29 pm IST