Pune: Vehicle Owners Refuse To Apply For HSRP Due To High Rates, Constant Technical Glitches

The deadline for installing High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles in Maharashtra has been extended from March 31 to April 30 by the state transport department. However, many vehicle owners in Pune are refusing to apply due to multiple technical glitches and high fees for HSRP registration.

Sunil Shinde, a resident of Kasba Peth, said, "I have been trying to register for over a week, but the website keeps crashing. It is frustrating because we are being fined for something we cannot even apply for properly."

Another vehicle owner, Meena Joshi from Shivajinagar, expressed, "Every time I try to enter my vehicle details, the website shows an error. The RTO needs to fix these issues. Irrespective of this, I am not going to apply due to the high charges fixed by the administration. We purchased the vehicle after paying all types of taxes, so why do the RTOs want more money? This could be free of cost."

Deepak Salunke, an autorickshaw driver, highlighted, "₹750 is the amount for registration of three-wheelers. This is not fair to the auto-rickshaw drivers and tempo drivers. They have already taken the road tax. The administration needs to think twice before fixing the HSRP registration fee."

Meanwhile, Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad requested applicants to contact the helpline at 7836888822 or email at customer.support@mhhsrp.com if vehicle owners are facing technical glitches.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Assistant RTO Swapnil Bhosale said, "People are registering continuously for installation of HSRP. The deadline has also been extended to April 30. To solve the technical glitches, a dedicated department has been deployed. We request citizens not to ignore the HSRP as it is mandatory for all vehicles registered before 2019."

What is HSRP?

Made of a rare aluminium alloy, HSRP contains a retro-reflective film with a verification inscription 'India', a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, the hot-stamped letter IND in blue, and a 10-digit laser-branding of a unique serial number, making it tamper-proof.

What are its rates?

The rates for installation of HSRPs are ₹450 for two-wheelers and tractors, ₹500 for three-wheelers, and ₹745 for four-wheelers (including cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles), excluding GST.

The Transport Commissioner's office has appointed three agencies - Rosmerta Safety Systems Ltd (Zone 1), Real Mazon India Ltd (Zone 2), and FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt Ltd (Zone 3) - for the task of installing new registration plates. Pune City (MH 12) comes under Zone 1, while Pimpri-Chinchwad (MH 14) comes under Zone 2.

As per the rule, HSRPs are fitted on the front and rear sides of the vehicles along with a third registration mark sticker on the vehicle's windscreen as prescribed in Rule 50 of the Motor Vehicles Act. For new vehicles registered as of April 1, 2019, HSRPs have already been made mandatory, and the responsibility for their fitment is on the manufacturers.

As per the SOPs, vehicle owners will have to book an appointment for HSRP installation at least two days in advance, and the agencies are required to have the HSRP ready by that time. After installation, the agencies will have to update the details of the affixed plates, including the unique laser number (at least 10 digits), vehicle registration number, and photos, through the web-based application.