Why are Maharashtra's HSRP fees the highest?

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Vehicle owners in Maharashtra are raising concerns over the the high cost of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), which is significantly more expensive than in other states. With the March 31 deadline looming, motorists must install these plates to avoid penalties, but the steep pricing has sparked outrage.

A two-wheeler owner in Maharashtra pays Rs 450, while the same plate costs Rs 160 in Gujarat and Rs 155 in Goa. The disparity is even more glaring for four-wheelers, with Maharashtra charging Rs 745, while Goa offers it for just Rs 203. The inflated costs have triggered criticism, with citizens voicing concerns on social media and questioning the rationale behind such a steep difference.

“Vehicle owners in Maharashtra must get HSRPs at affordable rates without unnecessary hassle,” said Deepak Sambherao, Vehicle Representative Association, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He urged the government to bring fees in line with other states and set up an RTO helpdesk to guide citizens through the process.

HSRP fee comparison across states

For two-wheelers:

• Maharashtra: Rs 450

• Gujarat: Rs 160

• Goa: Rs 155

• Andhra Pradesh: Rs 245

• Jharkhand: Rs 300

For three-wheelers:

• Maharashtra: Rs 500

• Gujarat: Rs 200

• Goa: Rs 155

• Andhra Pradesh: Rs 282

• Jharkhand: Rs 340

For four-wheelers:

• Maharashtra: Rs 745

• Gujarat: Rs 460

• Goa: Rs 203

• Jharkhand: Rs 540

• Andhra Pradesh: Rs 619

For heavy vehicles:

• Maharashtra: Rs 745

• Gujarat: Rs 480

• Goa: Rs 232

• Jharkhand: Rs 570

• Andhra Pradesh: Rs 649

As the deadline nears, Maharashtra's vehicle owners continue to demand justification for the high fees and a price revision in line with other states. Whether the government will intervene remains to be seen.