Munish Sood
MANDI/Hamirpur: Passion knows no bounds. This adage has come true once again in Himachal Pradesh where a scooter owner has purchased a VIP registration number for Rs 14 lakh.
Interestingly, the scooter itself is priced at approximately Rs 1 lakh, making the number 14 times costlier than the vehicle.
Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Hamirpur district, acquired the VIP registration number HP21C-0001 through the state Transport Department’s online auction process.
Only two bidders participated in the auction, but Kumar’s top bid of Rs 14 lakh sealed the deal. The entire sum was deposited into the state government’s account, earning it a substantial revenue boost without any additional expenditure.
According to the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, this is the most expensive two-wheeler number ever sold in the state. “The online bidding process is part of our transparency measures and has yielded great results,” an official said, adding that such auctions help generate revenue while allowing citizens to pursue their unique interests.
Explaining his decision, Sanjeev Kumar said, “I have always been passionate about having unique, memorable numbers. When you want something special, there’s no price too high.”
Kumar, who owns a large iron and steel shop in Mattansidh, emphasised that passion could not be measured in rupees.
The transaction has become a hot topic across the state, sparking debates on social media and drawing reactions from all quarters. Some admire Kumar’s zeal, while others are astonished at the steep price tag for a scooter registration number. Many also appreciate the transparent auction process that benefits the state’s coffers.
This is not the first time a vehicle number auction in Himachal Pradesh has grabbed attention. In Kotkhai sub-division of Shimla district, a scooter number once attracted a bid of over ₹1 crore. However, after the bidder was found to be fake, the state temporarily halted online number auctions. With this latest purchase, Himachal Pradesh continues to make headlines for its unique vehicle registration stories.
