On Gudi Padwa, vehicle registrations in Vashi shoot up

With discount offered by four-and two-wheeler dealers across the satellite city and the regional transport office (RTO) extending its office hours to Sunday, there was a substantial increase in the registration of vehicles on Gudi Padwa at deputy RTO Vashi.

In the last five days, four times more vehicles turned out for registration at the deputy RTO Vashi. On these days, the deputy RTO Vashi registered a total 775 four-and two-wheelers. "A total 405 motorcycles and 370 cars were registered between March 26 and 30. On a regular day, the deputy RTO office undertakes registration of about 30 motorcycles and 20 cars," said Sanjay Dhaygude, deputy RTO Vashi. "We have seen about 300% rise on both two-and four-wheeler registrations in these five days," he added.

Gudi Padwa is considered an auspicious day for buying vehicles, striking property deals and purchasing new appliances. Dealers across the satellite city had offered freebies along with the vehicles which attracted buyers to some extent. In the last one week, vehicle dealers were busy completing the registration process so that the vehicles could be handed over to the buyers on Monday, the day Maharashtrian New Year.

However, the Vashi RTO, which was lagging behind in achieving its annual target because of the local body tax blow, failed to generate more revenue despite working on Sunday.
RTO officials were expecting an increase in revenue, as the festival fell on the last day of the financial year. However, there has been marginal increase in the total revenue of the deputy RTO Vashi.
The annual target of the deputy RTO was Rs224 crore for the financial year 2013-14, of which it generated about Rs165 crore in the fiscal.
Interestingly, in the last five days, not a single imported vehicle was registered. "We have received Sports Utility Vehicles, among other cars, but there was not a single imported vehicle that was registered," said Dhaygude.

Also, on Gudi Padwa, just one motorcycle was registered. "There has been increase in registration, but it was not as per our expectation," said an RTO official.
RTOs across the state were working on Sunday for the convenience of buyers. "This year, Gudi Padwa was celebrated on Monday. To avoid any inconvenience to buyers, we kept the office open even on Sunday and Monday so that buyers can get deliveries of their vehicle on time," added Dhaygude.

Mission not accomplished
405 motorcycles and 370 cars registered between March 26 and 30
30 motorcycles and 20 cars get registered on regular basis
Rs224 crore annual target of deputy RTO (2013-14)
Rs165 crore revenue earned in this fiscal