Chandigarh, March 6: The Chandigarh Registering and Licensing Authority has concluded its most successful e-auction to date, headlined by the sale of the registration number CH01DD0001 for nearly Rs 54 lakh. This record-shattering bid shows an intensifying trend of “fancy number” procurement in a city that now manages more vehicles than people.
The auction of the CH01-DD series and leftover numbers saw a total of 591 plates sold, bringing in over Rs 4.48 crore. This figure eclipses all previous auction totals in the RLA’s history. Beyond the top spot, the number CH01DD0003 commanded a price of over Rs 32 lakh, while CH01DD0005 was secured for Rs 17.50 lakh.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav declared that the accountability and responsiveness of the e-auction system are the primary drivers of these high revenues. He asserted that the process eliminates discretion and manipulation, ensuring that every bidder has an equal opportunity to secure their preferred number. The DC stated that the city’s appetite for premium identification grows with every auction cycle.
Statistical data shows that Chandigarh has registered over 2.21 lakh new vehicles in the past five years, further increasing its high per capita vehicle density. RLA officials affirmed that VIP numbers have become as significant as the luxury vehicles they adorn, contributing more than Rs 14,500 crore in cumulative revenue over the last half-decade.
Pradhuman Singh of the RLA maintained that the digital platform has made the bidding process more accessible and competitive than ever before. He affirmed that as the city nears the 15-lakh vehicle mark, the demand for personalized plates continues to rise, reflecting the unique social and economic culture of the region.
