Nagpur: The High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) drive in Nagpur has run into a fresh storm, as mounting complaints from vehicle owners expose what many are calling a glaring quality failure. Across the city, motorists allege that the so-called “secure” number plates are anything but durable, with several plates fading, peeling, cracking, or even falling off within months of installation.
What was introduced as a tamper-proof, long-lasting security measure now appears to be turning into a costly inconvenience for compliant citizens.
Gold Rate
Feb 12th, 2026 - Time 11.45Hrs
Several vehicle owners have reported that their newly installed HSRPs are unable to withstand routine weather conditions and daily use. Complaints include loss of reflectivity, fading letters, cracks near mounting points, and in extreme cases, plates detaching completely, raising serious questions about manufacturing standards and installation practices.
A resident of Dhantoli alleged that his vehicle’s HSRP plate fell off barely a month after installation at a Dharampeth centre. “The fitter charged me an extra Rs 150 claiming it was for stronger fitment. Within a month, the plate came off. Who is responsible for this?” he asked.
A two-wheeler owner from Manewada said the letters on his plate began fading within six months. “We paid the prescribed fee believing these plates would last for years. Instead, it already looks worn out.”
A car owner from Civil Lines reported that the reflective coating on her plate has started peeling. “If the number becomes unreadable, we will be fined, even though the fault lies with the system,” she said.
Photographs submitted by readers further indicate that the issue may not be isolated, but widespread.
Warning to citizens, but who checks the vendors?
The complaints surfaced soon after a local report warning vehicle owners of strict enforcement against HSRP rule violators from February 18. Ironically, while authorities prepare to penalise non-compliance, those who complied in good faith now find themselves grappling with defective plates.
When contacted, Nagpur City RTO head Kiran Bidkar said action would be taken if formal complaints are received. Citizens can file grievances at the official email ID: rto.31-mh@mah.gov.in. He stated that cases would be verified and action taken “as per norms.”
However, he clarified that action would be restricted to fitters charging extra money in the name of fitting charges. Accessories sold as “stronger fitments” may not fall under the scope of action, a position echoed by representatives of Rosemerta Nagpur, part of Rosmerta Technologies Ltd, one of India’s leading HSRP manufacturers.
This distinction has further angered citizens, who argue that the core issue is not merely illegal fitting charges, but the apparent compromise in product quality itself.
Quality control under scanner
Automobile experts point out that certified HSRP plates are designed to last for several years under normal conditions. Early damage, they say, could indicate lapses in material quality, manufacturing processes, or improper installation methods.
Citizens are now demanding an independent quality audit of authorised vendors and immediate replacement of defective plates without additional charges. Many argue that compliance with government mandates should not translate into repeated expenses due to substandard materials.
As enforcement tightens, a critical question looms: will the authorities hold manufacturers and authorised vendors accountable with the same urgency shown towards vehicle owners?
For many in Nagpur, the issue is no longer about a number plate, it is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring that citizens are not punished for faults beyond their control.
