Uppal RTA hassles vehicle owners, agents get easy clearances
HYDERABAD: Vehicle owners approaching Regional Transport Authority offices on their own for permanent registration of new vehicles are facing repeated hurdles, while applications routed through agents are cleared without delay, triggering allegations of harassment and corruption across Greater Hyderabad.
Documents rejected despite compliance, owners sent back repeatedly
Sadanand of Malkajgiri approached the Uppal Regional Transport Authority two days ago for permanent registration of his new two-wheeler after booking an online slot and carrying all required documents. Officials, however, rejected his application citing missing papers and asked him to return.
After rechecking documents with the showroom, he returned with temporary registration papers, invoice, insurance documents, Aadhaar, PAN card and even domestic gas connection papers for address proof. Officials then insisted on original gas documents and sent him back again.
Vehicle owners say this is not limited to the Uppal office, but is common across several RTA offices in Greater Hyderabad.
Agents face no delays, self applicants allege harassment
Motorists allege that despite submitting valid identity documents such as Aadhaar and PAN cards, officials raise objections on one pretext or another when owners apply directly. In contrast, applications submitted through agents and middlemen are cleared smoothly.
Owners question why restrictions are imposed on vehicles purchased by paying lakhs of rupees, and why repeated visits to RTA offices are being forced upon them.
Showrooms accused of charging extra through agents
Allegations have also surfaced against vehicle showrooms, which are accused of collecting additional amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 in the name of handling charges and accessories.
At the time of purchase, buyers already pay life tax and permanent registration fees at the showroom itself. Showrooms allegedly collect an additional ₹3,000 and arrange agents for registration, even though there is no requirement for intermediaries.
As per rules, vehicle owners can book a slot and approach the RTA within a month of purchase. A Motor Vehicle Inspector is required to verify the chassis number, engine number and documents before granting permanent registration.
However, owners who pay agents ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 report that registration is completed within 10 minutes, while those who apply directly are turned away citing missing documents. This forces owners to eventually rely on agents.
Officials estimate that between 2,500 and 3,000 vehicles are registered daily in the city.
Permanent registration at showrooms yet to be implemented in Telangana
Under road safety reforms introduced by the Centre, permanent registration of new vehicles is to be provided directly at showrooms, along with high-security registration plates.
Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, have been implementing this system for the past four to five years, eliminating the need for buyers to visit RTA offices repeatedly.
Transport officials in Telangana had proposed a similar system nearly four years ago, but it is yet to be implemented.
