You can e-bid for fancy numbers for vehicles from Feb 10

Hyderabad: Buyers of new vehicles have a reason to cheer. The Telangana Transport Department has made the process of registration number allotment online. Further, to check corruption in the allotment of fancy numbers, the department is introducing an e-bidding system from February 10.

“The competition for fancy numbers is encouraging corruption within the department. E-Bidding will eliminate such bad practice. Whoever quotes a higher fee for a specific fancy number will get the allotment automatically. The e-Bidding system will enhance revenue for the government and help vehicle owners get their fancy number in a totally transparent way," said an official.

Since the entire process is online, vehicle owners need not visit any office, he said. "The Telangana Transport Department has entered into an agreement with several banks. The e-Bidding system will come into force from February 10,” said the official.

Officials said the rush to get fancy numbers these days is adding to corruption. The state government is keen to curtail graft in the transport department. Until now, it used to collect DDs in sealed covers from the seekers of fancy numbers and keep them in a box. The DD with the highest amount would get the fancy number.

From now onwards, fancy number seekers will need to participate in e-Bidding. They can log in from 8 am to 1 pm. If more people apply for the same fancy number, the department will send SMSes asking them to participate in e-Bidding after paying an additional amount. The e-Bidding will take place between 2 pm and 4 pm. The department will then allot the specific fancy number to the highest bidder.