HSRP backlog in thousands

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune news service

Chandigarh, January 19

Since the UT Administration failed to finalise the tender for the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for over six months, the numbers of the vehicles waiting for the affixation has reached in thousands.

The work of affixation of the high security registration plates (HSRP) was stopped in July, 2016 after the expiry of the contract of the old firm.

Since then approximately 15, 000 vehicles are waiting for the HSRP.

Though the department started the process for the appointment of the new firm for the affixation of the HSRP before the expiry of the contract but it was not finalised due to various reasons.

Only one firm showed interest recently despite multiple tenders floated by the Transport Department. But the tender was cancelled over the refusal of the firm to reduce the rates it proposed.

The firm, wanted a hike of over 100 per cent on existing rates but the Administration had not been acceding to its demand.

The process of affixation of HSRP for the series CH01-BG, CH01-BH and CH03-N was stopped in July and the residents exempted from the penalty.

The delay in finding a new vendor has led to a huge backlog in thousands and will be a tough job for the RLA to clear after the work allotted to the new firm.

The delay is also putting the unnecessary burden on the residents.

It is a double burden for the them as they are getting the normal number plates installed till the affixation of the HSRP starts. When contacted Amit Talwar, Director, Transport said the process for the selection of new firm for the HSRP would be completed soon.