Vehicle owners in Salcete and other parts of South Goa are facing major inconvenience following the government’s recent directive to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), as there is no authorised centre in the taluka to complete the process.
Many motorists who approached the Margao Regional Transport Office (RTO) in recent days said they were informed that installations are not being carried out locally and were advised to visit Mapusa, where the only authorised facility is currently operating. Residents questioned why no arrangement was made for a centre in South Goa, particularly since thousands of vehicles in Salcete alone are due for the mandatory upgrade.
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The issue came to light after a public notice from the Transport Department urged vehicle owners to “fix HSRPs at the earliest” without specifying a deadline or providing detailed instructions. The lack of clarity has led to widespread confusion, with some unsure whether the process must be completed through the RTO, dealers, or the vendor’s website.
Motorists said the directive should have been implemented with better planning and communication. “It’s unreasonable to expect people from South Goa to travel over 30 kilometres just to fix a number plate,” one resident said, adding that the move goes against the government’s stated objective of citizen convenience under its ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ initiative.
Dealers meanwhile warned that limited infrastructure could lead to backlogs and crowding at the Mapusa facility if additional centres are not opened soon. Motorists have urged the Transport Department to set up an HSRP installation centre in Salcete and issue clear procedural guidelines before enforcement begins.
