More centres to beat rush for hi-tech plates in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Delhi government’s transport department plans to open more authorized centres where high-security registration plates — now mandatory for two-wheelers and cars — can be installed. “There are 13 authorized centres in Delhi where one can get these plates installed. However, the process takes some time and each centre can’t install more than 100 plates a day,” a transport department official said. “Keeping in mind the sheer number of vehicles that would need to get new plates installed, we are planning to open more centres,” he said.

Earlier, the department had said that it would start challaning vehicles without these plates from October 13, but the deadline has been extended. “It will not be possible to install so many plates within this period and we will give ample time to vehicle owners to get new plates installed,” he said. The department is yet to confirm a new deadline for the process. Once that is decided, the department will begin a crackdown on the errant vehicles.

While new vehicles in the capital, particularly those registered from 2012 onwards, come fitted with high-security registration plates, most of the older vehicles don’t have these sophisticated and tamper-proof plates. The Supreme Court had asked all states and Union Territories in 2012 to ensure high-security registration plates for all vehicles by June 15 that year or face contempt-of-court proceedings. These numberplates were first rolled out in Delhi in April 2012.

The transport department is also focusing on starting a public awareness programme and will come out with public notices in the next few days. The department is developing a software application for processing applications for changing numberplates and a link will soon be provided where people cannot only apply online, but also pay the charges — Rs 213 for four wheelers and Rs 67 for two wheelers.

From October 2, owners will be able to apply for these plates and also stickers that will denote the fuel being used to run the vehicle. The stickers will be light blue in colour for petrol and CNG vehicles, and orange for diesel vehicles. “Vehicle owners will be able to apply online and book a slot as per their convenience. We are trying to provide online slot booking so that there is no overcrowding at the centres,” the official said.