Koramangala RTO Leads VIP Number Auctions as Revenue Reaches Rs 118 Crore

The KA-01 Regional Transport Office in Koramangala recorded the highest bids in the state for premium vehicle registration numbers, helping the Transport Department earn a record Rs 118.14 crore through fancy number auctions in the 2025-26 financial year.

The department's revenue from fancy numbers has reached its highest level in a single year, driven by intense demand from luxury vehicle owners, politicians, industrialists, and film personalities. Mysuru followed Koramangala in recording the highest bids across the state.

Among the top auction amounts recorded, the registration number 0001 fetched Rs 28.60 lakh, while the same number for another vehicle sold for Rs 22.85 lakh. Other high-value registrations included 9999 at Rs 21.75 lakh, 0081 at Rs 21.15 lakh, and another 0001 registration at Rs 20.75 lakh. Popular choices among bidders also include combinations such as 0007, 1111, and 7777.

According to Transport Department data, revenue from fancy number auctions has grown steadily over the last five years. Collections stood at Rs 24.51 crore in 2021-22, before rising to Rs 66.34 crore in 2022-23, Rs 94.58 crore in 2023-24, and Rs 89.20 crore in 2024-25, culminating in Rs 118.14 crore in 2025-26.

Transport officials stated that the current online auction system represents a significant shift from earlier practices. Prior to the introduction of the digital e-auction platform, applicants frequently relied on personal influence or bribes to secure VIP numbers before general allotment. Under the transparent digital system, participants pay a prescribed registration fee alongside an earnest money deposit to bid openly for available numbers across running and advance series.

Department officials noted that the surge in demand is driven by a mix of prestige, numerology, and vehicle investment value. Buyers frequently seek numbers aligned with birth dates, lucky numbers, or astrological consultations, while others select repeating digits for memorability. In addition, premium registrations are increasingly used as branding tools by entrepreneurs and social media influencers, while enhancing the resale value of luxury vehicles.

Officials added that the auctioning of limited desirable numbers has generated significant non-tax revenue for the department without requiring additional infrastructure investments.