Bengaluru: With a huge chunk of vehicle owners yet to kickstart the process of obtaining high-security number plates (HSRP) despite the Feb 17 deadline fast approaching, the state transport department is thinking of extending it again. A formal announcement will be made shortly.
In the last six months, only 14 lakh out of nearly 2 crore vehicles have switched over to the new number plates so far.In this backdrop, the department is exploring the possibility of deferring the deadline by another three months. Sources said: “Though there is a significant jump in people booking HSRP as the deadline is nearing, it is a fact that most old vehicle owners are yet to follow the rules. The decision on extending the deadline will be taken at the government level.”
This is the second time that the deadline may be extended; the first one was November 17 last year.
In fact, the Feb 17 deadline evoked terse reactions from motorists as the process of obtaining HSRPs is not as smooth and fast as claimed by the govt, especially with regard to old vehicles. This apart, those who rushed to procure HSRPs are complaining about the poor quality of number plates vis-a-vis the price paid.
Vehicle owners trying to book HSRP online complain they are unable to complete the process due to technical glitches. Many say the website shared by the transport department accepts details but does not allow bookings even after multiple attempts. There are also complaints about vehicle details shared by owners not matching with Vahan records.
“I tried booking HSPR at least ten times. When I visited SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) website, it directed me to another one after providing basic information about the vehicle. Even after furnishing required details on the vehicle, billing address and others, the website failed to process my bookings,” said Hari Prasad, a vehicle owner.
A biker said: “I own a Yamaha RX-135 bike manufactured in 1998 with a valid FC and insurance. Whenever I tried booking HSRP online, the website says vehicle details don’t match. When I checked the details on Parivahan website, the same were correct. After multiple attempts, the website allowed home-delivery of HSRP under hydra-LMV vehicle category. Worried over getting wrong-size number plates under the category, I haven’t booked one yet. The govt should end this confusion for old vehicle owners.”
People have also brought to the department’s notice the vehicle’s fuel type getting displayed incorrectly and ‘error’ showing during NoC issues by RTOs and others. Those living in rural areas are facing hardships too, as they have to travel to the district or taluk headquarters for installation of HSRP.
Earlier, the transport department had warned of imposing a penalty on those who fail to book HSRP within the deadline. It is said that as Lok Sabha elections are fast approaching, the state govt may not resort to such a move.
In the last six months, only 14 lakh out of nearly 2 crore vehicles have switched over to the new number plates so far.In this backdrop, the department is exploring the possibility of deferring the deadline by another three months. Sources said: “Though there is a significant jump in people booking HSRP as the deadline is nearing, it is a fact that most old vehicle owners are yet to follow the rules. The decision on extending the deadline will be taken at the government level.”
This is the second time that the deadline may be extended; the first one was November 17 last year.
In fact, the Feb 17 deadline evoked terse reactions from motorists as the process of obtaining HSRPs is not as smooth and fast as claimed by the govt, especially with regard to old vehicles. This apart, those who rushed to procure HSRPs are complaining about the poor quality of number plates vis-a-vis the price paid.
Vehicle owners trying to book HSRP online complain they are unable to complete the process due to technical glitches. Many say the website shared by the transport department accepts details but does not allow bookings even after multiple attempts. There are also complaints about vehicle details shared by owners not matching with Vahan records.
“I tried booking HSPR at least ten times. When I visited SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) website, it directed me to another one after providing basic information about the vehicle. Even after furnishing required details on the vehicle, billing address and others, the website failed to process my bookings,” said Hari Prasad, a vehicle owner.
A biker said: “I own a Yamaha RX-135 bike manufactured in 1998 with a valid FC and insurance. Whenever I tried booking HSRP online, the website says vehicle details don’t match. When I checked the details on Parivahan website, the same were correct. After multiple attempts, the website allowed home-delivery of HSRP under hydra-LMV vehicle category. Worried over getting wrong-size number plates under the category, I haven’t booked one yet. The govt should end this confusion for old vehicle owners.”
People have also brought to the department’s notice the vehicle’s fuel type getting displayed incorrectly and ‘error’ showing during NoC issues by RTOs and others. Those living in rural areas are facing hardships too, as they have to travel to the district or taluk headquarters for installation of HSRP.
Earlier, the transport department had warned of imposing a penalty on those who fail to book HSRP within the deadline. It is said that as Lok Sabha elections are fast approaching, the state govt may not resort to such a move.