VIP number plates to become dearer in UP

NOIDA: The Uttar Pradesh transport department has increased the booking amount for VIP number plate registrations in an attempt to increase revenue.
The rates have been increased from a minimum of Rs 3,500 to Rs 15,000 and a maximum of Rs 15,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on numbers allotted. These rates are the minimum booking amounts to be paid for e-auction, the dates of which will be announced later.
According to officials, for the first time, the rates of number plate registrations for two-wheelers and four-wheelers will be different.
VIP numbers are allocated in four slots and the costliest numbers are priced at Rs 20,000 for two-wheelers and Rs 1 lakh for four-wheelers.
“The rates for important numbers were very low here. Sometimes, it leads to manipulation of the auction process. People often place very high bids as fake bidders. Later, they forfeit the chosen numbers and the second bidder gets it. The increased price will ensure that there are fewer fake bidders and it also will help get additional revenue for the department,” said A K Pandey, the assistant regional transport officer.
He added that since the rates have been increased significantly, it was necessary to make a distinction between the reserve price for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Important numbers are allotted through an online auction process. If the highest bidder forfeits the amount, the number is allotted to the second highest bidder. If the number is not auctioned, it is allotted through a first-come-first-serve basis. Once a series is launched, people can apply for any of the numbers in the series online.