T.N. Assembly election 2026| Vehicles for election campaigns take shape in Coimbatore

With a month remaining for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, scheduled for April 23, preparations have gathered pace across the State, even as campaign logistics move into full swing.

A private facility in Sivananda Colony, Coimbatore city, with over three decades of experience in vehicle modification has seen a surge in orders for the customisation of campaign vehicles for different political parties ahead of the election.

P.V. Mohamed Riyaz, owner of the firm, said the unit has been engaged in modifying Tempo Traveller vehicles for over three decades and has customised campaign vehicles for former Chief Ministers J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi.

“We have been receiving orders for campaign vehicles from political parties for many years. As we have consistently met their requirements, repeat orders have increased in Coimbatore,” he said.

He said parties procure new vehicles, complete registration formalities, and then bring them to the facility for customisation. “Depending on the requirements, it takes about 15 days for basic modifications, while vehicles with advanced features, including toilet facilities, may take up to two months,” he said.

The firm receives orders not only from across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Coimbatore and Salem, but also from neighbouring regions such as Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The campaign vehicles are fitted with features tailored to client requirements, including hydraulic and automated stages, air-conditioned sleeping berths, ventilated seating, tables, toilets, television units, Wi-Fi connectivity, focus lights, public address systems, speakers, air suspension, and footboards on both sides for security personnel.

“For this election, we have handled more than 100 vehicles and we are also installing AI-enabled cameras in vehicles,” he added.