Pune: The installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) has been made mandatory for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Vehicle owners who fail to install HSRP by March 31 will face a fine of ₹1,000. As the deadline approaches, citizens have been rushing to get the plates installed.
However, due to ongoing issues with the plate manufacturer and installation centers, people are facing difficulties. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has failed to regulate the situation, leading to frustration among vehicle owners.
In Pune, the sudden closure of an HSRP center in the Dandekar Bridge area has caused distress for hundreds of people. Many senior citizens, who had arrived for their pre-scheduled appointments, were also affected. Several citizens questioned the authorities, asking:
Who is responsible for this inconvenience?
If re-registration is required, will the previously paid fees be refunded?
Will authorities provide an extension due to their own inefficiency?
A senior citizen who had booked an online appointment said, "Many of us came to the center as per our scheduled date, but we found a notice stating that services after March 6 had been canceled. When we inquired with the staff, they simply told us to read the notice and act accordingly." Attempts to contact the helpline number mentioned on the notice were unsuccessful for three hours. When finally connected, the response was, "Details of the new distributor will be provided within two to three days."
Several citizens expressed their frustration, stating that despite having no fault of their own, they might have to pay fines due to the administration’s mismanagement. They demanded that authorities allow rescheduling without additional charges.
Distributors Not Receiving Timely Payments
The owner of a recently closed HSRP center, Chandra Rao, explained: "Customers register for HSRP and visit the center on the allotted date. However, the manufacturer fails to supply the plates on time, leaving us to face complaints from vehicle owners. Additionally, the distribution company does not pay us on time, causing financial losses. Due to these ongoing issues, we decided to shut down the center."
Key Questions Raised by Customers:
Where has my number plate been transferred after the closure of this center?
Why weren’t we informed in advance that services would be discontinued after March 6?
Who is responsible for the inconvenience and mental distress caused to customers?
If re-registration is required, will the previously paid amount be refunded?
If the plate is not installed on time due to this issue, why should we bear the penalty imposed by traffic authorities?
According to Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pune, customers registered at the Dandekar Bridge HSRP center will not be required to reapply. They will receive a call from the HSRP company, and they will be allotted a date at a nearby center as per their convenience. He assured that no financial loss would be incurred by the affected customers.
