Mrudula Narale
Pune, May 15, 2025: In Pune, the installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) has reached a major setback, with just 1.61 lakh vehicles out of an estimated 25 lakh equipped with such sophisticated number plates. This leaves a whopping 23.39 lakh vehicles non-compliant as the June 30, 2025, deadline laid out by the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) draws near. The sluggish progress reflects systemic issues in the implementation, evoking concerns over vehicle security, compliance with regulations, and administrative inefficiency.
HSRPs are made to secure vehicles better using a unique identification number, barcode, and anti-tamper locking system. The plates cannot be counterfeited, making it very hard for a vehicle to be stolen and misused. They also enhance traceability since every HSRP is attached to a central database, making it easy for authorities to track and authenticate vehicles in a timely manner, facilitating the recovery of stolen vehicles or those involved in legal disputes. Also, HSRPs help maintain conformity with standardized regulations, which fosters consistency throughout states and aids in effective management of vehicles. Their standardized look and structure, such as the Ashok Chakra, facilitate easy recognition, helping traffic police and law enforcers perform rapid verification and curb fraudulent behavior.
Notwithstanding these advantages, the HSRP fitting process in Pune is marred with inefficiencies. The privately operated system is understaffed, and the facilities in installation centers are said to be inadequate. Centers are often incapable of meeting the large number of vehicles, creating long queues and scheduling delays. Some trained personnel have quit after a very short while of work, which makes the process slower. Car owners also encounter difficulties, such as dealing with an inefficient online appointment system that cannot give them available slots. Dealerships, tasked with arranging installations, are similarly failing to keep up with demand because of these logistics bottlenecks.
Cost differences are yet another increasing issue. The state has instructed fixed charges for HSRPs, but some installation centers reportedly charge much more, with extra costs for services such as GST or environmental charges. This has burdened the owners of vehicles financially, especially those who own older vehicles or two-wheelers, as they find it difficult to afford the extra charges.
The Pune RTO has pointed out that HSRPs were implemented to prevent vehicle theft and boost security using cutting-edge technology. But with the deadline approaching, the installations are slow-moving. The RTO has also added more authorized centers to clear the backlog, but the target and existing progress are still far apart. Autorities are calling on car owners to comply before the stipulated deadline to avoid fines, but poor functional infrastructure remains a bane to this progress.
With the deadline of June 30, 2025, looming, the Pune RTO is under increased pressure to roll out the HSRPs in an efficient manner. Filling staff vacancies, enhancing online booking processes, and providing transparent pricing are the keys to hitting the target. Most of Pune’s vehicles continue without HSRPs for the time being, making them an easy target for theft and non-compliant with the law.
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