Pune: High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installation is progressing at an alarmingly slow pace in Pune, raising serious concerns about meeting the April 30 deadline.
Despite increasing the number of installation centers from 69 to 126, only 1,000 vehicles are receiving number plates per day. With 2,633,635 vehicles eligible for HSRP installation, it would take an estimated 72 years to complete the process at the current rate.
Challenges in the HSRP Installation Process
Pune has 40 lakh registered vehicles, out of which 26 lakh were registered before April 1, 2019, making HSRP installation mandatory.
Currently, 126 centers are handling HSRP installations, but they are struggling to keep up with demand.
Online registration issues and temporary closures of some centers are further slowing down the process.
As of March 11, only 34,356 vehicles have received HSRP plates, while 67,586 vehicles are registered for installation.
With just 48 days left until the deadline, officials are under pressure to accelerate the process.
Government Response and Possible Solutions
Authorities have assured that steps will be taken to speed up the installation process. More centers will be opened if necessary, and existing centers will not be shut down.
"If required, we will further increase the number of installation centers to meet the deadline."
— Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pune
Vehicle Owners Facing Unexpected Issues
While some vehicle owners are struggling with long wait times, others face unexpected technical barriers. Abhijit Dixit, a Pune resident, purchased his two-wheeler in May 2019, when dealers were required to install HSRP plates at the time of sale. However, his dealer failed to do so, and now refuses responsibility.
Since his vehicle was registered after April 1, 2019, he cannot apply for HSRP online, leaving him stuck without a solution.
"At the time of purchase, dealers were supposed to install HSRP plates, but they ignored their responsibility. Now they refuse to help, and I cannot register online since my vehicle was registered after April 1, 2019. I am completely stuck."
— Abhijit Dixit, Pune vehicle owner