The vehicle registration number HR88B8888 from Haryana’s Badhra subdivision fetched a record-breaking ₹1.17 crore, marking India’s highest bid for a fancy number. Full details about the auction, participants, and process.
Record-Breaking Frenzy for Fancy Numbers in Haryana
The craze for premium vehicle registration numbers has reached a new high in Haryana, where a fancy number from the Badhra subdivision in Charkhi Dadri district shattered all previous records. The registration mark HR88B8888 pulled in an astonishing ₹1.17 crore, making it the highest bid ever for a vehicle number in India.
Bidding Soars from Thousands to Crores in Minutes
The online auction, conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, witnessed unusual excitement on Wednesday. What started as a fairly routine bidding session turned into a last-hour frenzy. Around 4:20 pm, the highest bid hovered around ₹1.03 lakh, but within the final few minutes before the 5 pm deadline, the figure shot up dramatically, eventually settling at ₹1.17 crore.
Transport officials confirmed that 45 bidders were competing for the number, which many believe looks visually attractive because of its long chain of “8s.” Despite the letter “B” appearing in the middle, bidders say the sequence still appears like a smooth line of repeating digits—something that appeals strongly to those who consider “8” a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
The base price for the number was a modest ₹50,000, with ₹10,000 as security money and ₹1,000 as the registration fee. The massive jump from the base price has stunned even officials.
Transport Department Responds
When approached for confirmation, Haryana Transport Commissioner Atul Kumar acknowledged the report but said official verification would take place once staff resumed duty.
“The bidding process is fully automated and online. If the number has fetched over ₹1 crore, it is a significant achievement. The online portal’s data is considered accurate,”
he said, adding that the department will formally review the numbers soon.
What Makes HR88B8888 Special?
The registration code HR denotes Haryana, while 88 represents the Badhra RTO in Charkhi Dadri district. Numbers containing multiple eights are particularly sought-after due to their association with wealth, success, and positive fortune in various cultures.
The immense interest reflects not only the cultural symbolism but also the rising trend of individuals investing heavily in premium vehicle identifiers.
Previous Records and Rising Demand
Earlier in August, Chandigarh’s coveted number CH01DA0001 made headlines after fetching ₹36.43 lakh, at the time the highest bid for a fancy number. However, the new Haryana record has now reset the benchmarks, highlighting a growing market where buyers are willing to spend extraordinary amounts for exclusivity.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways conducts weekly auctions for VIP and fancy numbers, with bids closing every Wednesday at 5 pm.
A vehicle registration number from Haryana’s Badhra subdivision broke national records after selling for an extraordinary ₹1.17 crore, making it India’s highest-ever fancy number bid. The online auction witnessed dramatic last-minute competition, reflecting a growing craze for premium vehicle identifiers. With rising demand and weekly auctions attracting more participants, Haryana has emerged as a hotspot for elite number plate buyers across the country.