Chandigarh: In a city where cars outnumber people and vehicle density tops national charts, even number plates are turning into prized possessions. The race isn’t just for horsepower anymore — it’s for digits that dazzle. From spiritual sequences to mobile number matches, Chandigarh’s obsession with fancy registration numbers has morphed into a full-blown phenomenon. What began with just 651 auctions in 2020 has now surged past 2,000 annually, with young bidders driving the frenzy and redefining what it means to make a statement on the road.According to RLA records, the authority auctioned 651 registration numbers in 2020. That figure nearly doubled in 2021, reaching 1,157. In 2022, the RLA shattered previous records by auctioning 2,632 numbers. The momentum continued in 2023 with 2,501 numbers sold. Although 2024 saw a slight dip to 1,930, the trend rebounded in 2025, with 1,851 numbers auctioned till August.“The trend has evolved dramatically,” a senior official told TOI. “Earlier, people came for classic fancy numbers—double digits, triple digits, or visually catchy combinations. Now, many seek numbers tied to personal or religious significance, house numbers, or even mobile digits. It’s become a deeply personal choice.”
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This surge in demand has translated into a revenue windfall for the RLA. From Rs 1.53 crore in 2020, earnings from registration number auctions have soared to Rs 10.54 crore by July 2025. Except for 2023, when revenue dipped slightly to Rs 8.54 crore, the authority has consistently crossed the Rs 10 crore mark since 2022. In 2025, the RLA set new benchmarks with three record-breaking bids: Rs 4.08 crore, Rs 3.51 crore, and Rs 2.94 crore, each the highest ever for a single auction.