25 Lakh Vehicles Await HSRP Installation in Maharashtra
With the March 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, Maharashtra’s High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) compliance drive faces an uphill task. Despite the Maharashtra Transport Department’s directive, a staggering 25 lakh vehicles remain pending for HSRP installation. Pune, home to nearly 40 lakh registered vehicles, is at the centre of this backlog. While authorities have streamlined the online application process and deployed technical staff to assist vehicle owners, the pace of compliance remains slow, with only 15,000 vehicles registered so far. The state’s transport department has emphasised the necessity of HSRPs to curb vehicle theft, enhance road safety, and bring uniformity in vehicle identity marks.
The HSRP system, already mandatory for vehicles registered post-April 2019, uses advanced security features including retro-reflective film, a chromium-based Ashok Chakra hologram, and a unique 10-digit laser serial number. These plates are designed to prevent tampering, making them a vital tool in law enforcement. Vehicle owners must book appointments at least two days in advance, ensuring a streamlined installation process. The state has appointed three agencies for installation, with Pune City (MH 12) falling under Zone 1, Pimpri-Chinchwad (MH 14) under Zone 2, and other regions covered accordingly. HSRP installation costs are ₹450 for two-wheelers, ₹500 for three-wheelers, and ₹745 for four-wheelers, excluding GST. The initiative is expected to improve tracking efficiency and reduce violations, yet compliance remains a challenge.
A Step Towards Sustainability and Safer Roads
The implementation of HSRPs is not just about compliance but also about sustainable urban mobility. With uniform vehicle identification, authorities can efficiently manage traffic, curb unauthorised vehicle modifications, and reduce environmental impact by preventing unregistered or outdated vehicles from plying on the roads. A standardised registration system enhances emission control measures, supporting India’s long-term sustainability goals in transport. Additionally, by reducing vehicle theft, HSRPs contribute to lowering crime rates and enhancing public security, making them an essential tool for safer city roads.
Civic Challenges and Law Enforcement Struggles
The lack of awareness and urgency among vehicle owners remains a major roadblock in implementing HSRPs across Pune and Maharashtra. Despite several warnings, many continue to use fancy number plates or tampered registration numbers, evading traffic regulations. In 2024 alone, Pune’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) took action against 3,038 vehicles with unauthorised plates, collecting fines totalling ₹20.38 lakh. Additionally, 657 vehicles were caught with faulty HSRPs, generating a revenue of ₹4.2 lakh. The numbers highlight the growing need for strict law enforcement and public awareness campaigns to drive compliance.
Final Push for Compliance Before Deadline
As the deadline looms closer, the state’s transport authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure that all pre-2019 registered vehicles are fitted with HSRPs. The challenge, however, remains in accelerating the adoption rate and ensuring smooth implementation. With a significant backlog of 25 lakh vehicles, the state faces a time crunch in ensuring complete compliance before penalties come into effect. Failure to comply will result in legal action, pushing vehicle owners to act before enforcement becomes stricter. The success of this initiative will depend on public participation, law enforcement efficiency, and awareness drives, ensuring that Pune’s roads become safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
