Until the new series is formally introduced, however, vehicles purchased in Pune will be registered under the ‘MH-61’ code. (file)Pune’s ‘MH-12’ vehicle registration identity is set to continue even as the existing series nears exhaustion. The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has proposed a new registration format – ‘MH-12 1A’ – to ensure that vehicles registered in the city can continue to carry the original code.The Pune RTO is currently issuing registrations under the final ‘ZZ’ series of MH-12. With the existing format nearing its limit, the RTO had explored options for a new series. However, shifting to a three-letter series was not feasible, prompting the RTO to send a proposal to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for introducing the ‘MH-12 1A’ format.According to the proposal, the new series would combine a digit and a letter after the existing MH-12 code. The move would be the first of its kind in the country, according to the authorities, and would allow the Pune RTO to retain the MH-12 identity while creating additional registration numbers.Until the new series is formally introduced, however, vehicles purchased in Pune will be registered under the ‘MH-61’ code. The temporary arrangement is aimed at ensuring that vehicle registrations continue without disruption, particularly during the upcoming festive season.Vehicle owners who receive an MH-61 registration during this interim period will later be allowed to transfer their vehicles to the new MH-12 series once it is launched, on payment of a nominal fee, according to the proposal.The move to use the MH-61 code had earlier raised concerns among vehicle owners and others that Pune’s long-standing MH-12 identity could eventually be discontinued. Taking up the issue, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol approached Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and sought continuation of the MH-12 code for Pune.Gadkari responded positively to the request, following which the proposal for the new MH-12 series was taken forward.A draft notification proposing the new registration format is expected to be published soon. The notification will invite objections and suggestions from the public before the new series is finalised and introduced.Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our storiesTags:pune