The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways generated revenue of Rs 41.73 lakh in five days as people rushed to get customised numbers. According to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), it received 234 applications. “A total Rs 38.22 lakh was collected as government fees and the amount went up to Rs 41.73 lakh after bidding took place,” said an official.

The existing MH-03EF series which had customised and VIP numbers had been closed and a new series MH-03EL was launched by the RTO on February 6. “This year we are getting an overwhelming response. People are coming in large numbers to get their favourite numbers,” said Vinay Ahire, an RTO official.