Premium numbers fetch Andheri transport dept Rs 1.2cr in Q1

Maximum requests for the premium number plates come from the western suburb,with the Andheri RTO receiving at least 20 requests daily. The numbers in every batch are between 1 and 1,000 and every RTO has a maximum of three series running at any given point of time.

According to assistant RTO commissioner Bharat Kasalkar,“It is western suburbs from where the maximum requests for premium number comes. The figures make for a good study. In the year 2008-2009,the demand for premium numbers was the lowest with the total revenue generation of Rs one crore,which when studied convinced us was a sign of recession.”

The requests for premium numbers slowly picked up the following year with the revenue crossing Rs 2 crore— 2,995 premium numbers were availed in this period. According to RTO officials,besides 1,two digit numbers and repetitive numbers are a lot in demand.

Meanwhile,the Mumbai Traffic Police keeps a check on premium numbers which are not displayed according to the rules. For instance number 4141 displayed as dada in local language. “When one doesn’t display the premium number in a correct manner,action is taken against the person,” said Kasalkar adding,“There are rules according to which a number should be displayed. RTOs have the power to seize such number plates. For now,we are supporting the campaign by traffic cops to keep a check on such number plates.”