Opposition questions costly HSRP number plates, demands inquiry into tender process

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the government, accusing it of burdening vehicle owners with exorbitant charges on the pretext of security.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party government never misses an opportunity to exploit the public. At a time when people are already struggling with inflation, they are now targeting vehicle owners. The fees for HSRP plates are more than double those in other states, turning it into an unjust tax,” he alleged in a letter to the Chief Minister.

HSRP plates are mandatory for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, with a deadline set for March 31, 2025. Sapkal pointed out stark price differences, citing that in Goa, a two-wheeler owner pays ₹155, whereas in Maharashtra, the cost is ₹450. Similarly, three-wheeler owners in Goa pay ₹155, while in Maharashtra, they are charged ₹500. For four-wheelers, the fee in Goa is ₹203, but in Maharashtra, it rises sharply to ₹745.
Sapkal further alleged that an 18% GST is levied on these plates, but the RTO has not disclosed this, further increasing the financial burden on vehicle owners.

NCP (SP) state chief Jayant Patil has also demanded an inquiry, questioning the selection of Rosmerta Safety System Ltd, Real Mazon India Ltd, and FTA HSRP Solutions Pvt Ltd. for the contract.

“These same companies are supplying HSRP plates in states like Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, but at significantly lower rates. How were they awarded such an expensive contract in Maharashtra?” Patil asked.

Sapkal added that the contract was hastily approved while the state cabinet formation was still in progress, hinting at possible collusion within the ministry.

Both opposition leaders have urged the government to extend the deadline for HSRP installation and conduct an inquiry into the pricing and tender process.