The Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) of Chandigarh has hit a new high with its latest digital auction for exclusive vehicle registration numbers. The three-day e-auction event, which concluded on Monday, generated a staggering ₹2.96 crore in revenue, setting a fresh record for the union territory.
Top Bidders and Coveted Numbers
The auction spotlight was firmly on the brand-new 'CH01-DC' series, ranging from 0001 to 9999. The star of the show was the prestigious number CH01-DC-0001, which ignited a fierce bidding war before finally being sold for an impressive ₹31.35 lakh. Not far behind, the registration number CH01-DC-0009 secured the second-highest bid, fetching ₹20.42 lakh.
Auction Details and Participation
The lucrative auction was conducted online from December 20 to December 22. It wasn't just about the new series; the RLA also put under the hammer a selection of leftover fancy numbers from previous series that had remained unsold. In total, 485 registration numbers found new owners during this three-day bidding extravaganza, demonstrating robust demand among Chandigarh's vehicle owners for unique identifiers.
Significance and Trend
This record-breaking revenue underscores the enduring popularity and cultural significance of fancy vehicle registration numbers in India. For many, these unique plates are a symbol of status and prestige. The shift to e-auctions by authorities like the RLA Chandigarh has made the process more transparent and accessible, leading to increased participation and higher yields for the state exchequer. The successful sale of nearly 500 numbers indicates a thriving market for such vanity plates in the region.
