HSRP: Transport Unions to Protest High Cost of High-Security Registration Plates in Pune
Pune, 6th March 2025: Several transport associations in Pune are set to stage a protest outside the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Friday, demanding a reduction in the high-security registration plate (HSRP) charges in Maharashtra.
According to Nitin Pawar, general secretary of the Rickshaw Panchayat, the cost of HSRPs in Maharashtra is significantly higher than in other states, making it a financial burden for vehicle owners.
“If the state government does not bring down the cost of HSRPs, we will continue our protests. Transport unions from across the city have held discussions and unanimously decided to raise their voices against this issue,” Pawar said.
As per RTO data, approximately 25 lakh vehicles in Pune must have HSRPs installed by April 30. However, so far, only 25,000 vehicles have been fitted with the plates, while 1.12 lakh applications have been received. Statewide, nearly 2 crore vehicles need to comply with the requirement.
While the current deadline remains unchanged, State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had earlier stated that an extension could be considered if necessary.
The Pune District Bus and Car Owners’ Association has also extended its support for the protest. Rajan Junawane, the association’s president, criticized the disparity in HSRP costs compared to other states.
“In states like Goa and Gujarat, HSRPs are much cheaper. We fail to understand why Maharashtra has such high charges. Transport businesses are already struggling due to rising fuel prices and other operational costs. This additional financial burden is unacceptable,” Junawane remarked.
With the deadline fast approaching and protests gaining momentum, transport unions are urging the government to reconsider the pricing policy to ensure fair and affordable implementation of the HSRP mandate.
