Pune RTO MH61 series rollout delays new vehicle delivery

Pune RTO has moved to a new interim registration series, MH61, and the switch has left several new car and two-wheeler buyers waiting longer than expected to take delivery. Dealers cannot hand over a vehicle without a registration number, and the changeover has slowed that process down in the run-up to the festive season.

What is causing the delay

RTOs periodically move to a new series once the previous block of numbers runs out, and the MH12 series is nearing exhaustion in Pune. MH61 is the interim series brought in to bridge the gap while a permanent alphanumeric series, such as MH12 1A, sits with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval. Until systems catch up with the new series, applications can get stuck even if the buyer has completed payment and paperwork on their end.

The RTO's timeline

The RTO opened the MH61 series for buyers wanting to pick a preferred number on Tuesday, and that window runs till August 30. An auction for choice numbers is scheduled for August 31, after which regular registrations are expected to begin. An RTO official said MH12 could return in a month or two if the ministry approves the alphanumeric series. Dealers should be able to apply for regular MH61 registrations online later on August 31, once the auction concludes.

Who does this affect

• Buyers awaiting delivery in Pune may see dates slip by a few days
• Dealers are dependent on RTO systems processing the new series
• No vehicle can be delivered without a valid registration number
• The delay applies across brands and vehicle categories
• Existing MH12-registered vehicles are unaffected

What buyers should do now

If you already have a booking in Pune, check directly with your dealership on where your registration stands rather than assuming a fixed delivery date. Dealers are expecting the RTO to open regular MH61 registrations by the evening of August 31, but with Ganesh Chaturthi, Dhanteras and Diwali buying season approaching, any further slippage could add to a backlog.

Will Pune's registration backlog clear before the festive rush begins?