THE Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Durg has witnessed a significant surge in revenue collection, as there is a growing trend among car owners to acquire fancy registration numbers. Between April and August of the current fiscal year (2023-24), the office has already collected amassed 1.33 crore rupees from the sale of these sought-after numbers within the district. RTO officials are optimistic that if this trend continues, they will exceed the 3 crore rupee mark in revenue by the end of the fiscal year. Leading the popularity charts are registration numbers like 9999, 0007, 0001, 0009, and 1000, which remain hot favorites among buyers. Notably, this year, the highest bids have been received for numbers 9999, 0007, and 1000. Other high-value numbers contributing significantly to Durg RTO’s revenue include 0001 and 0786.

 

Explaining the phenomenon, a senior RTO officer stated, “Many people consider 9 and 7 as lucky numbers. The sum total of 9999 and 0007 is especially popular among the younger generation. Besides industrialists, institutes, and entrepreneurs also show a preference for these numbers.” During the April to August period, the registration number 9999 fetched a whopping 15 lakh rupees, while 0007 commanded a price of 9.3 lakh rupees. On a single day in August, the RTO managed to collect over 25 lakh rupees by selling these coveted numbers. Interestingly, some individuals have begun bidding for random numbers, even though their values are lower than those of 9999, 0009, 0007, and 0001.

 

In recent months, numbers like 1805 and 1007 have gained popularity due to personal significance, such as matching their parents’ birthdays or wedding anniversaries. This trend is not limited to four-wheelers but has also extended to two-wheelers and autos, contributing to a boost in RTO’s overall revenue generation. The enthusiasm for unique registration numbers shows no signs of waning, and RTO Durg continues to be a beneficiary of this trend, set to achieve remarkable revenue figures for the fiscal year.