Patna, Jan. 2: The much-awaited high security registration plate (HSNP) system for vehicles in the state is poised for an April launch.

The state transport department has sent an offer to a Delhi-based firm for setting up the system and is awaiting its response.

The department has also filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding entrusting the firm with the responsibility. State transport minister Brishen Patel told The Telegraph: “According to the directives of the honourable apex court, we have finalised a Delhi-based firm for setting up the system of manufacturing and issuing high security registration plates in the state. Earlier, we were following the L1+3 procedure, wherein the department had short-listed four firms for the job. But later, the Supreme Court issued a directive to follow single tendering process. Thus, we resorted to L1 system and finalised the firm that stood at L1 position. Subsequently, an affidavit in this regard has been sent to the apex court. Moreover, we intend to start the process prior to March 31, the deadline set by the court.”

“We have offered the finalised firm to set up the system of issuing and manufacturing high security registration plate system in the state. If it agrees to the project terms and conditions, a formal agreement would be signed. The entire process would start by March 31,” said R.K. Mahajan, secretary, state transport department. High security number plates display the registration mark as specified under Rule 50 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, as amended up to date and related orders issued by ministry of road transport and highways in 2001, 2005 and 2006. On August 30 last year, the apex court had directed all states not having the said system for vehicles to complete the process within eight weeks.

On September 21, the department issued tenders for inviting bids from interested parties for setting up infrastructure for manufacturing and fixing high security registration plates on all vehicles in the state. Sources said the firm would need to set up a well-enabled computer system with necessary security for networking all embossing stations in the state in online real time mode at its own cost. The system must be capable of furnishing information relating to issuance of high security registration plates at each embossing station and consolidated information of all stations at the headquarters.

As only the selected firm would manufacture high security number plates, the transport department will issued it an authorisation letter. The number plates would be available at rates predetermined in the tender agreement.

The HSNP will make tracking down stolen cars easier because it is tamper-proof. Security cameras installed at various intersections will be able to pick up information from the plates. Police and other security agencies will be equipped with devices that can read the HSNP.