AP dumps 50 good cars at Secretariat for new ones

Some 50 four-wheelers many in good condition have been abandoned in the Secretariat premises for months, even years.

Neither the security staff nor government officials know exactly why these cars have been abandoned.

Most of them belong to the Andhra Pradesh government. The government officials who used them moved to Amaravati and apparently got new government vehicles leaving the old ones in Hyderabad.

Several of the vehicles have traffic challans pending against them of between `500 to `2,000 for various traffic violations. Security staff says some of the vehicles have been gathering dust here for up to four years. “Nearly 25 Ambassadors, Maruti Esteems, and Opel Astras have been lying for two to four years. We have been taking up the issue with General Administration Department but they tell us that the cars have been condemned and will be put up for auction soon,” said a member of the security staff.

With the AP Secretariat shifting to Amaravati, there are no officials left in Hyderabad who can initiate the auction process. In the Telangana State Secretariat premises too, some 30 vehicles have been abandoned.

An official from the GAD said, “We are inquiring why some vehicles were abandoned though they appear to be in good condition. Only those vehicles will be condemned that have travelled over 2-lakh kilometres. The rest will be restored and handed over to departments concerned.”

Our inquiries have revealed that government officials purchased new premium cars and abandoned old vehicles, though they are in running condition.