From 0001 to 9999 Special numbers drive Rs 6.84 cr windfall for RTO

 

 

 

  

Nagpur’s motorists are proving that style and superstition are as powerful as horsepower. Since start of the year, the city’s vehicle owners have collectively spent an astonishing Rs 6.84 crore to secure ‘special’ or auspicious registration numbers for their new vehicles, transforming vanity into a major source of revenue for the Regional Transport Office (RTO). For many, a vehicle’s registration number is more than just a formality; it’s a statement of identity, prestige, and luck. The most coveted number, 0001, commands a staggering Rs 6 lakh for cars and

 

Rs 1 lakh for two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. Interestingly, the East Nagpur RTO has already sold this number across all categories, while the City RTO still awaits its first taker. The trend gained further prominence after September 1, 2024, when the State Government doubled the fees for special registration numbers. The once Rs 4 lakh price tag for 0001 rose to Rs 6 lakh in larger districts,

 

while other popular numbers such as 9999 and 5555 now cost Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. Even mid-range combinations like 0007 and 2424 saw substantial hikes, rising to Rs 70,000 and Rs 25,000 each. The results have been remarkable. Between January 1 and October 13, 2025, the City RTO generated Rs 3.17 crore and the East Nagpur RTO Rs 3.66 crore from fancy-number sales, together contributing a significant boost to

 

State Transport revenues. This enthusiasm reflects a wider national phenomenon where numerology, aesthetics, and personal branding increasingly influence vehicle owners’ choices. The advent of the online reservation system has only accelerated this demand. Vehicle owners no longer need to visit the RTO in person; they can now browse available numbers and reserve their preferred ones from the comfort of their homes.

 

Transport officials view this as a welcome development, combining convenience with fiscal gain. “Fancy numbers have become a dependable and growing revenue stream,” remarked one senior RTO official. As city’s roads continue to fill with gleaming new vehicles bearing distinctive plates, one thing is clear, for many motorists, the right number isn’t just about registration; it’s about reputation, recognition, and a touch of good fortune.