Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a significant hike in fees for “choice numbers” or VIP numbers for new vehicles, with the highly coveted ‘0001’ number now costing up to ₹18 lakh in major cities like Mumbai and Pune. This fee revision, effective as per the transport department’s notification dated August 30, marks the first update since April 2013.
Increased Fees for VIP Numbers
The revised fees for the ‘0001’ number will now be ₹6 lakh for four-wheelers in high-demand areas such as Mumbai, Pune, and Thane, an increase from the previous ₹4 lakh. In other regions, the cost will be ₹5 lakh, up from ₹3 lakh. For two- and three-wheelers, the fee has doubled to ₹1 lakh from ₹50,000.
For those seeking an ‘out-of-series’ VIP number, the cost has escalated to ₹18 lakh, which is comparable to the price of many mid-segment cars. This steep increase from the earlier ₹12 lakh fee is expected to impact high net-worth individuals, top businessmen, politicians, and celebrities who prefer these exclusive numbers for their luxury vehicles.
Fee Structure and Additional Costs
Maharashtra has designated 240 VIP numbers per registration series, including popular choices like 0009, 0099, 0999, 9999, and 0786. The fee for these numbers has also been raised to ₹2.5 lakh for four-wheelers and ₹50,000 for two- and three-wheelers.
The revised ‘three-time basic fees’ for out-of-series numbers now stands at ₹15 lakh for four-wheelers and ₹3 lakh for two- and three-wheelers. The new fee structure also includes increased charges for 16 popular numbers, now set at ₹1 lakh for four-wheelers and ₹25,000 for two-wheelers. Additional numbers, like 0011, 0022, and 0088, will now cost ₹70,000 for four-wheelers and ₹15,000 for two-wheelers.
Extended Reservation Period and Transfer Rules
In a move aimed at benefitting vehicle owners, the Maharashtra government has extended the reservation period for a VIP number from 30 days to six months. Additionally, the transfer of VIP numbers to immediate family members, including spouses, sons, and daughters, is now permitted, a change from the previous restriction against such transfers.
However, VIP numbers will not be reserved for government vehicles, though exemptions from payment can be granted through special orders.
Revenue Generation and Implications
The fee hike is anticipated to generate substantial additional revenue for the state transport department. In the 2017-18 financial year, the department earned ₹139.20 crore from the issuance of registration numbers in 1,83,794 cases.
This fee revision follows a draft notification issued on September 16, 2022, and reflects the state’s efforts to maximise revenue from non-tax sources. The move comes as the department aims to balance the growing demand for VIP numbers with the need for regulating their allocation through higher fees.
Conclusion
The steep hike in fees for VIP vehicle numbers in Maharashtra, particularly in high-demand areas like Mumbai and Pune, underscores the exclusivity associated with these numbers. While the revised fees may deter some, they are likely to remain a status symbol for those who can afford them. The government’s decision to extend the reservation period and allow transfers within families also adds flexibility for vehicle owners. As the state transport department gears up to implement these changes, the impact on the market for VIP numbers and the department’s revenue will be closely watched.