UT scraps HSRP tender

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 27

The Transport Department of the Chandigarh Administration has scrapped the tender for affixation of high security registration plates (HSRPs) after the company failed to reduce the rates as desired by the Administration. Sources said now fresh tenders would be floated for the purpose.

The process of affixing HSRPs was stopped in July after the contract of the firm expired. Though the department had started the process for hiring a new firm for the work before the expiry of the contract, it could not be finalised for various reasons. Only one firm showed interest despite multiple tenders being floated by the Transport Department. However, the work was not allotted to the firm due to a deadlock over the HSRP rates.

The firm wanted a hike of 100 per cent in the existing rates, but the Administration did not accede to its demand and wanted it to slash the rates. An officer of the department said the Administration did not want to put extra burden on residents and decided to scarp the tender. Recently, the firm sent a revised proposal, which was also rejected by the Administration.

The  RLA  has been  charging Rs 79 for two-wheelers and Rs 183 for four-wheelers for HSRPs since February 2013 when the scheme was implemented in Chandigarh. However, the new company had proposed a 100 per cent hike in the existing rates — Rs 158 for two-wheelers and Rs 366 for four-wheelers. The  delay in the allotment of the work is causing to vehicle owners. — TNS