Pune: 16K Punekars Get HSRPs Installed While Many Face Online Registration Woes and Fraudulent Website Scams
Pune residents are racing against time to install High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) before the April 30, 2025, deadline set by the state government. However, the process has been marred by technical glitches and fraudulent activities. Over 16,000 Punekars have successfully installed HSRPs, but many are facing significant challenges during online registration.
Users have reported encountering multiple fake websites while making payments, with some being charged ₹899 instead of the standard fee of ₹500. Payments are being diverted to unauthorized accounts, leaving applicants without appointment confirmations despite deductions from their bank accounts. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and Pune cyber police.
Swapnil Bhosale, Pune Deputy Regional Transport Officer, stated, “The government has set up 69 centers in Pune to handle the high demand for HSRP registration and installation. However, fraudulent websites are scamming users by diverting payments. We have reported the matter to the cyber police and urge citizens to use only the official government website.”
A complainant, shared his experience: “After paying ₹500 for the HSRP, ₹899 was deducted from my account. I received no confirmation or email, and a message prompted me to pay again. I have filed a complaint with the Pune cyber police.”
As per the RTO directive, vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, must install HSRPs by April 30, 2025. Rosmerta Company has been appointed to oversee the process in Pune and 12 other RTO offices. With over 2.5 million old vehicle owners in Pune, 80,604 have registered online as of February 23. Of these, 24,041 have scheduled vehicle inspections, and 16,454 vehicles have had HSRPs installed.
