Installation of high-security registration plates picks up pace in Jalandhar

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 25

With the last date to affix high-security registration plates (HSRP) approaching, a large number of residents are taking appointments to get their number plates updated.

While nearly 200 people are visiting the centres to affix the plates, an equal number of residents are opting for home fitment facility to avoid any rush at the centre.

As many fitment centres have been opened in the district and at sub-divisional level, a slew of appointments are being attended on a daily basis.

Arjun Singh, state business head of Agro Impex India Pvt Ltd, (a private company hired by the state Transport Department to issue HSRP’s in state) said: “Earlier, there was only one fitment centre in Jalandhar at Lambra (Pratapura), but to cater to more applicants and for the smooth and speedy installation of these plates, another centre was opened in Prince Plaza in Mithapur. Besides, considering the Covid spread, one more centre will be established in the city. In addition, one centre has also been opened in Shahkot and Phillaur each that will mainly help people in rural areas to equip their vehicles with HSRP. The last date for installation of HSRP is July 31.”

Nikhil Kumar, in charge at Lambra fitment centre, said: “While nearly 200 persons are visiting Lambra centre at present, 80-90 persons are coming to Prince Plaza Centre. The price for HSRP for two-wheelers has been kept Rs173, four wheelers Rs513, commercial vehicles Rs548 and three-wheelers Rs249.82.” Moreover, after opting for the home fitment facility, the service charges have been kept at Rs100 for two-wheelers and Rs150 for four-wheelers.

Arjun said for minimum contact of people at the centres, cash counters have also been closed as per the government orders. After booking their appointments, vehicle owners can make their payments online. “For the convenience of the public and keeping in view the social distancing norms for the prevention of Covid-19, vehicle owners will not be required to go to the fitment centres and wait for their turn. An online system of pre-booking an appointment and payment of the fee has been activated on the website www.punjabhsrp.in,” he said.

Meanwhile, ACP Traffic Harwinder Singh said: “The traffic police haven’t received any notification yet, but challans for driving vehicles without HSRP will begin once the last date is over.”

Will prevent vehicle-borne crimes

• Fixing high-security registration plates (HSRP) on vehicles has re-started in the state to prevent vehicle-borne crimes.
• The plates are fastened with non-removable, non-reusable snap lock fitting system. The front and rear number plates have unique alphanumeric laser identification number, which, upon affixation on the vehicle, gets registered with the central database of VAHAN.
• Moreover, HSRPs have certain security features and these ‘IND’ (short for India) marked plates provide a uniform and standardised manner of display of registration numbers and come with chromium-based hologram to protect them against counterfeiting.
• All new vehicles registered in the state are mandated to affix HSRP as the Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle will be issued only post affixation of the plates.