HSRP Error in Pune: Mismatched Front and Back Plates Issued for Same Vehicle, Raising Questions Over RTO Process
HSRP Error in Pune: Mismatched Front and Back Plates Issued for Same Vehicle, Raising Questions Over RTO Process
Pune – In an attempt to curb vehicle thefts, the Maharashtra state government has made it mandatory for all vehicle owners to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). The process has been rolled out across the state with full implementation happening online — from registration to payment and appointment scheduling. However, a recent incident in Pimpri-Chinchwad has shed light on major loopholes in the system, leaving citizens questioning the reliability of the entire operation.
Mahesh Agam, a resident of Pimple Gurav in Pimpri-Chinchwad, faced a bizarre situation when he received two different number plates for the same two-wheeler after applying online. While the front plate showed the correct number MH 14 BN 8927, the rear plate shockingly bore the number MH 20 BN 8927 — completely mismatched with his registered vehicle number.
Agam discovered the error when he went for his scheduled appointment to have the plates installed. He immediately raised the issue with the personnel handling the installation, who acknowledged the mistake and promised to fix it in a few hours. However, Agam expressed his anger and disappointment over the incident, stating that the fault lies entirely with the state government and the private company they outsourced the work to.
“Both the number plates I received were different, and that’s a major issue. It’s not just a clerical error — it’s a serious mistake caused by the company the government has awarded the contract to. When I went for my appointment, I noticed the mismatch. The staff told me they’d replace the plate soon, but this shouldn’t happen in the first place. Common citizens like me are facing unnecessary trouble due to such carelessness. In many cases, people are even having arguments during the plate installation process,” Agam said.
The Maharashtra government had awarded the contract for manufacturing and installing HSRP plates to a private firm, intending to streamline the process online. Citizens pay the full amount at the time of registration and are given appointment slots for installation. Yet, this incident has exposed potential negligence either during the printing or packaging stages.
Responding to the controversy, Rahul Jadhav, Deputy Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Pimpri-Chinchwad, clarified that such errors are not committed by the RTO itself.
“The RTO never issues incorrect vehicle numbers. This mistake may have occurred at the company’s end while printing or packaging the plates. It’s likely a human error. If the affected vehicle owner contacts the company, they will be provided with a corrected number plate,” Jadhav assured.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern among citizens, as more people come forward with similar complaints about the HSRP process. While the intention behind implementing HSRP is commendable, the execution, especially through third-party contractors, is clearly in need of tighter oversight and quality control.
