Pune’s HSRP Compliance at Just 7% with Over 22 Lakh Vehicles Still Pending as June 30 Deadline Nears

With the June 30 deadline looming for mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installation, Pune is witnessing alarmingly low compliance—only 7% of the eligible vehicles have been fitted with the tamper-proof plates. Of the 25 lakh vehicles required to comply, over 22.3 lakh remain without the mandatory plates, fueling frustration among citizens and putting pressure on the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

Nationwide Mandate, Local Chaos

The HSRP requirement, applicable to all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, is part of a national initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aimed at enhancing vehicle traceability and reducing theft. Despite its security benefits, implementation in Pune has been marred by technical glitches, understaffed centers, overcharging, and low public awareness.

An RTO official, speaking anonymously, admitted that public response has been far from adequate despite repeated awareness efforts. “This is a legal mandate, not optional. Non-compliance will result in penalties after the deadline,” the official warned.

Over 22 Lakh Vehicles Yet to Comply

Out of the estimated 25 lakh vehicles in Pune subject to the HSRP rule, only around 1.6 to 1.7 lakh have completed the process since the rollout began five months ago. That leaves a massive majority over 22.3 lakh vehicles still non-compliant.

Broken System Frustrates Citizens

The Pune RTO launched a dedicated portal (www.mhhsrp.com) in December to facilitate online bookings. However, users frequently report the site as unresponsive, with limited or unavailable appointment slots.

“It was impossible to book online. The site kept crashing,” said Sheetal Supe, a vehicle owner from Pune. “I approached my dealer instead, but the earliest slot I could get was two weeks away.”

Installation centres are facing severe challenges. Many are understaffed, overwhelmed, or temporarily shut down. Several workers have reportedly quit due to poor working conditions under the private contractors operating the centres.

Further compounding the issue are pricing discrepancies. Citizens have reported being charged above the government-fixed rates, including additional GST and hidden fees. Many believe the charges in Maharashtra are higher than those in other states.

Dealerships Struggling to Keep Up

Two-wheeler dealer Rohit Kane from Wagholi shared his concerns: “The demand is huge, but the resources just aren’t enough. Even those ready to pay and comply are facing long delays.”

Of the 4.2 lakh HSRP orders placed so far, only about 1.6 lakh have been fulfilled. Nearly 3 lakh bookings remain pending, with a low conversion rate from appointment to actual installation.

Assistant RTO officer Swapnil Bhosale emphasized the importance of the new plates. “HSRPs deter vehicle theft and duplication. We’ve added more centres and extended deadlines, but the pace is still slow. Owners shouldn’t wait until the last moment.”

High-Tech Security, Low-Grade Execution

HSRPs feature anti-tamper locks, barcodes, and laser-etched codes linked to a centralized database, improving both vehicle traceability and crime prevention. They also aim to standardize registration across India.

Despite these benefits, the system’s ground-level execution remains a bottleneck. Citizens face long queues, cancelled appointments, and inconsistent service. Many dealerships are overwhelmed by logistical challenges and unable to meet demand.

Fix the System Before Penalizing the Public

While the RTO has increased the number of authorized centres, the pace of progress still lags far behind the target. Citizens and experts alike are urging authorities to address the underlying issues digital failures, manpower shortages, and pricing inconsistencies before enforcing penalties.