With just 53 days remaining until the June 30 deadline for High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installation, compliance in Nagpur remains abysmally low.

Of the 13.27 lakh vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, across the city's two RTO zones, only 10.3% completed the mandatory fitment, and just 18.3% placed orders so far.

According to official data updated until May 6, the city RTO (MH31) received 76,551 HSRP orders and completed 26,798 fitments, while the East RTO (MH49) recorded 70,604 orders and 20,688 fitments. That brings the total to 1.47 lakh orders and 47,486 fitments — a long way off from full compliance.

To accommodate more vehicle owners, the state transport commissioner recently extended the earlier deadline of March 31 to June 30. Fitment charges have also been standardised: Rs 450 for two-wheelers and tractors, Rs 500 for three-wheelers, and Rs 745 for cars and light motor vehicles, excluding GST.

Neither of Nagpur's RTO offices is conducting regular inspections, enabling malpractice and slowing down compliance.

Complaints are rising about fitment centres overcharging and using incorrect fixtures.

In a recent case, the East Nagpur RTO received a complaint against Zen TVS Blue Mobility Ventures Pvt. Ltd, which was accused of charging beyond the prescribed rates and using nut bolts instead of mandated rivets. The RTO responded by issuing a show-cause notice and ordered the suspension of operations through the HSRP supplier.

Authorities have urged citizens to report any instance of overcharging or improper installation. "If anyone is charged more than approved rates or notices unsafe fitting practices, they should immediately inform RTO," said City RTO Kiran Bidkar.

Onus is now on the transport authorities to tighten the inspections & speed up fittings to avoid a last-minute rush of vehicle owners and avoid unwarranted fines.