Transport associations in Pune are gearing up for a major protest outside the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Friday. Their demand? A reduction in the high-security registration plate (HSRP) charges in Maharashtra. According to Nitin Pawar, general secretary of the Rickshaw Panchayat, the current cost of HSRPs in Maharashtra is much higher compared to other states, putting a strain on vehicle owners financially.
Pawar stated, “If the state government doesn’t lower the cost of HSRPs, we will continue our protests. Transport unions from all over the city have come together to speak out against this issue.” With approximately 25 lakh vehicles in Pune needing HSRPs by April 30, only a fraction have been fitted with the plates so far, despite receiving over 1.12 lakh applications. The situation is similar statewide, with nearly 2 crore vehicles requiring compliance.
While the deadline remains unchanged, there is a possibility of an extension, as mentioned by State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar. The Pune District Bus and Car Owners’ Association has also lent its support to the protest, with president Rajan Junawane highlighting the discrepancy in HSRP costs between Maharashtra and states like Goa and Gujarat. Junawane criticized the high charges in Maharashtra, especially considering the challenges faced by transport businesses due to increasing fuel prices and operational costs.
As the deadline looms and protests escalate, transport unions are urging the government to reconsider the pricing policy for HSRPs. They emphasize the need for fair and affordable implementation to ease the burden on vehicle owners and ensure compliance across the board.
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