Pune RTO sees surge in demand for choice numbers
Pune RTO sees surge in demand for choice numbers ( Representational Image )
The RTO’s revenue has surged due to the increased demand for customized vehicle registration numbers based on owners’ preferences.
19 April 2024
By Payoshi Bisht
As per the report given by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Pune, there has been a significant increase in the number of vehicle owners opting for a number plate of their choice. It has been found that the RTO almost made an income of about 50 crores Rupees just from choice numbers this year which is 11 crore Rupees more than last year.
Usually, when it comes to selecting a number for the car, an individual would prefer to keep their birth date, year or month as the number or that of a loved one. It can also be important dates such as anniversary, occasions or lucky numbers which carry astrological significance to the individual.Â
The Regional Transport Office in Pune follows certain guidelines and steps when allotting choice numbers to vehicle owners. They advise citizens to opt for special number choices only after the launch of a new series of vehicle numbers. In case there is a discrepancy while allotting numbers, such as there being multiple applications for the same special number like 001, 002 or 000, a bidding auction takes place where the person with the highest bidding amount wins and gets hold of the special choice number.
As per RTO regulations, a number is the series wherein five, seven, and nine digits including one are required. The RTO follows a list prepared which lays down the amount to be paid for each choice number. For example, if one chooses to have the number 1, the amount is somewhere around 4 lakh rupees along with 3,12,000 rupees of auction bid, which makes a total of 7,12,000 rupees. Similarly for the number 7, the amount to be paid is around 70,000 rupees along with 3,50,000 rupees of auction bid, which makes a total revenue of 4,20,000 rupees. The list can be referred to from the Government of Maharashtra website RTO Price List.
According to the data, the total amount of revenue collected from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 is amounting to be 49,82,84,738 rupees. Last year, the total revenue was around 38,19,65,495 rupees.
