In a fascinating trend from Pune, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has witnessed a substantial surge in revenue from the sale of personalized vehicle registration numbers in 2025, even as the actual number of such plates sold saw only a minuscule increase. This indicates that vehicle owners are willing to pay significantly higher amounts to secure their desired 'fancy' digits.
Revenue Skyrockets Despite Flat Sales Volume
The data reveals a compelling story. Until November 2025, vehicle owners in Pune purchased 48,808 choice numbers, a mere 10 more than the 48,798 sold in the same period of 2024. However, the financial outcome was dramatically different. The RTO's earnings from this segment leaped to Rs71.5 crore in 2025, far exceeding the Rs52.9 crore collected in 2024.
This sharp rise in revenue against a nearly stagnant sales volume points directly to more intense and competitive bidding. Pune's deputy RTO, Swapnil Bhosle, confirmed this trend, stating, "The bids were more competitive in 2025 than 2024." An RTO official elaborated, "The fact that the revenue earned is high shows that bidding was intense and fierce."
Record Bids and High-Value Numbers
The bidding wars pushed prices for coveted digits to new heights. The standout example was the registration number '7', which was sold for a whopping Rs7.7 lakh Officials remain optimistic about the continuing demand. "We always have a fresh series of numbers being introduced and there are ample takers," said an official. Dismissing any notion of a dip in interest, they added, "People were as active as ever and showed a lot of interest when it came to choice numbers. In 2026, we are expecting more revenue and higher bidding." The demand for these special registration plates is driven by a mix of personal sentiment, superstition, and a desire for exclusivity. The RTO releases new series of numbers for sale almost every month or every alternate month. Common motivations for buyers include: A businessman from Kothrud, who bought two special numbers this year, explained, "I bid for it and paid quite a bit, but then such numbers make people's heads turn and my vehicles appear different from others." Another buyer from Kondhwa, an associate of a local politician, shared that one of his three special numbers adds up to his mother's birthday, calling it "my way to respect her." This trend isn't limited to common citizens. In 2024, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Pune MP, Murlidhar Mohol, purchased the choice number '0909' for Rs1.5 lakh. While the total number of choice plates sold has seen a slight slump from the around 51,000 sold in 2023, the digitalization of the process is expected to keep interest alive. Deputy RTO Bhosle noted, "Now there is a system wherein one can apply for registration numbers online too — making the process simpler." The combination of emotional value, status-seeking, and easier access is likely to ensure that Pune's RTO continues to see high-stakes bidding for years to come.Why Do People Pay a Premium for Fancy Numbers?
