After completing the tender process and a series of negotiations, the government has finalised the contractor for implementation of high-security number plate system for two and four-wheelers in the state.
A price of Rs 220.34 has been fixed for each number plate. The APSRTC, which is the authorised wing to execute the project on behalf of the government, is likely to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the contractor, a consortium of Link Point Infrastructure and Utsav Safety Systems, soon. Once the MoU is signed, the private agency will start fixing the plates for all vehicles in the state. The RTC is likely to set up 48 centres across the state to fix the high security number plates to an estimated 1.3 cr two and four-wheelers in the state.
RTC executive director, operations, Ramana Rao said the government has considered the bid by Utsav consortium. However, an MoU could not be signed immediately due to continuous holidays. After the MoU is inked, the company would start fixing the number plates. Four companies took part in the tender procees for the high security number plates. The Utsav consortium quoted the lowest price of Rs 290 per plate.
However, on learning that the same company is fixing high security plates at a cost of Rs 140 apiece in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, the government tried to negotiate a lower price. After a series of consultations, the consortium has agreed to charge Rs 220.34 for each plate. According to sources, the RTC is likely to get a 10 percent cut from the contractor company on each plate. However, the exact percentage for the RTC would be decided by the government soon, according to an official of the road transport corporation.
Confirming the finalisation of the contractor for high security number plates, transport minister Botcha Satyanarayana said the contractor would start fixing the plates very soon.