E-Paper
‘0003’ top Chandigarh fancy number auction, fetches ₹37 lakh
The RLA auctioned registration numbers from the new CH01-DE series, ranging from 0001 to 9999, along with leftover fancy and special numbers from previous series between May 30 and June 1
In a surprising twist to the usual trend, registration number “0003” of the CH01-DE series emerged as the highest bidder, fetching ₹37.63 lakh at the e-auction conducted by the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA), Chandigarh.
Traditionally considered the most sought-after number, “0001” settled for the second-highest bid of ₹23.55 lakh in the auction, which concluded on Monday.
The RLA auctioned registration numbers from the new CH01-DE series, ranging from 0001 to 9999, along with leftover fancy and special numbers from previous series between May 30 and June 1. Around 681 registration numbers were auctioned, generating a revenue of ₹4.13 crore.
Among other high-value numbers, “0009” fetched ₹12.30 lakh, followed by “0002” at ₹10.22 lakh. Numbers such as “0005” ( ₹9.86 lakh), “0007” ( ₹9.48 lakh), “0077” ( ₹8.54 lakh), “0008” ( ₹8.14 lakh), “0010” ( ₹7.92 lakh) and “0004” ( ₹6.69 lakh) also witnessed strong bidding.
Despite “0003” taking the top spot this time, “0001” continues to dominate the record charts. The number fetched the highest-ever bid of ₹53.88 lakh in the CH01-DD series auction held in March this year, which also recorded the highest-ever total revenue of ₹4.48 crore.
Earlier auctions have also seen “0001” command premium prices, including ₹36.43 lakh in the CH01-DA series, ₹31.35 lakh in the CH01-DC series, and ₹31 lakh in the CH01-CZ series. Other notable bids include ₹26.7 lakh for “0001” in the CH01-AP series and ₹25 lakh in the CH01-CY series.
Officials said the strong response reflects the continued demand for fancy registration numbers, which are widely seen as status symbols among vehicle owners.
