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School bus operators in Maharashtra have urged the Transport Department to extend the deadline for installing High Security Registration Plates, citing technical glitches and lack of appointment slots. The current deadline for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, is June 30, 2026. Operators warn enforcement from July 1 could disrupt school transport services.

Mumbai: School bus operators have urged the Maharashtra Transport Department to grant additional time for the installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles, citing technical glitches and delays in the implementation process.

Current Deadline Set for June 30

The demand comes after the Transport Department extended the deadline for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, to install HSRP plates till June 30, 2026. According to a recent government communication, nearly 50 lakh vehicles in the state have already fitted the mandatory plates, but a significant number are yet to comply.

Representatives of school bus associations said that despite their willingness to follow the mandate, many operators have been unable to secure appointments or complete the installation process due to technical snags on the registration portal and delays in the availability of installation slots. They argued that school transport vehicles should not face penalties for circumstances beyond their control. "The portal doesn't open at times or the application did not register. Moreover, it costs 11,000 rs per bus to change the plates, which is difficult for several bus owners. We should be given atleast three months to make the changes," said Anil Garg, head of the school bus owners association.