Nagaland Police on Monday inducted 549 vehicles and 12 Mobile Forensic Vans, replacing up to 40 per cent of its ageing fleet in a major boost to policing, emergency response and scientific investigation across the state.
The fleet, procured under the Centre’s Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police (ASUMP) Scheme for the financial year 2025–26, was flagged off by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio at the Police Complex, Chumoukedima.
The newly inducted vehicles, procured at an approximate cost of Rs 81.65 crore, will replace 35 to 40 per cent of the existing police fleet, much of which had become old, unserviceable or exceeded its permissible service life, affecting policing across districts, police stations, IRB battalions, highway patrols and investigation units.
Addressing the program, Rio said mobility was critical for effective policing in Nagaland’s difficult terrain, where timely response to emergencies, crime prevention, investigations and disaster response depends on reliable transportation.
He said the induction forms part of a broader police modernisation programme under which Nagaland has secured nearly Rs 150 crore to strengthen policing infrastructure, including mobility, CCTV surveillance, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and the Smart Police Suite.
Highlighting emerging security challenges, the Chief Minister said organised extortion, drug trafficking, cybercrime, financial fraud, human trafficking and crimes against women and children require specialised investigation supported by technology and scientific methods.
To strengthen forensic capabilities, 12 Mobile Forensic Vans have been deployed to district executive forces. According to police officials, the vans are equipped for biological, cyber, explosives and narcotics forensics and are intended to support the implementation of the new criminal laws through scientific investigation.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma described the induction as a major milestone, noting that the fleet also includes ambulances and water tankers to improve emergency response and public service delivery.
Sharma said funding under the Police Modernisation Scheme had increased from the state’s usual annual allocation of around Rs 5 crore to nearly Rs 155 crore during 2025–26, enabling significant upgrades in mobility, technology and forensic infrastructure. He, however, noted that police stations, outposts and residential infrastructure would require further investment in the years ahead.
The newly inducted fleet comprises 152 light motor vehicles, 325 medium vehicles, 68 heavy vehicles and four motorcycles, in addition to the 12 Mobile Forensic Vans.