Chandigarh fancy number CH01-DD-0001 sold for record ₹54 lakh in auction

The craze for fancy vehicle registration numbers in Chandigarh once again made headlines after a VIP number was sold for a record price. The number CH01-DD-0001 was auctioned for ₹53.88 lakh during an online auction conducted by the city’s Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA). This is the highest price ever paid for a vehicle registration number in Chandigarh since the system of auctioning fancy numbers began in 2002.

The number was purchased by former Chandigarh mayor and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Davesh Moudgil. He bought the number for his Toyota Fortuner Legender, a luxury SUV that costs around ₹50 lakh. Interestingly, the price he paid for the number plate is slightly higher than the cost of the vehicle itself.

The auction took place on Friday through an e-auction system managed by the RLA. Several fancy numbers were offered in the auction, attracting bids from people who wanted special or lucky numbers for their vehicles. Officials said the event generated huge interest and brought significant revenue for the administration.

Record bid for VIP number

Among all the numbers auctioned, CH01-DD-0001 attracted the highest bid. The final amount paid for the number was ₹53.88 lakh, making it the most expensive vehicle registration number ever sold in Chandigarh.

Speaking after winning the bid, Davesh Moudgil said he has always been passionate about fancy numbers. According to him, people who value such numbers do not always think about the price.

“You can’t put a price on passion,” he said while talking about the record bid.

Moudgil explained that many of his vehicles already carry special or unique numbers. He also mentioned that he sometimes chooses these numbers after consulting his astrologer, who suggests numbers believed to be lucky or favourable.

The former mayor plans to use the VIP number on his Toyota Fortuner Legender. The SUV is considered a premium vehicle and is widely popular among politicians, business leaders and car enthusiasts.

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Another number that received strong interest in the auction was CH01-DD-0003. This number became the second most expensive in the auction after receiving a final bid of ₹32.32 lakh. Interestingly, its reserve price was only ₹50,000, but intense bidding pushed the amount much higher.

Officials said that many bidders participated in the auction, which shows how strong the demand for fancy numbers is in the city.

Growing demand for fancy numbers

The Chandigarh administration has been auctioning fancy vehicle numbers for more than two decades. The system was introduced in 2002 to allow people to buy special registration numbers while also generating revenue for the government.

Over the years, the demand for such numbers has increased steadily. Numbers like 0001, 0003, 0007, 9999, and 0786 are often considered prestigious or lucky, which makes them highly popular during auctions.

According to official figures, the RLA earns around ₹12 crore every year by auctioning fancy numbers. Each auction usually brings in about ₹3 crore on average. However, the latest auction brought even higher earnings.

During the Friday auction alone, the authority generated a total revenue of ₹4.48 crore. Officials said this shows the strong enthusiasm among people in Chandigarh for special registration numbers.

Many buyers are willing to spend large amounts of money to get a number that reflects their status, personal preference or lucky belief. For some people, a special number also adds uniqueness and identity to their vehicle.

The system of online auctions has also made the process easier and more transparent. Interested buyers can participate in the bidding process through the official portal and compete with others in real time.

Experts say the popularity of fancy numbers is linked to a mix of prestige, superstition and personal passion. Some buyers believe certain numbers bring good luck, while others simply enjoy owning something rare and exclusive.

For politicians, business owners and celebrities, such numbers can also act as a symbol of influence or status. A vehicle with a VIP number often attracts attention and becomes easily recognizable.

In Chandigarh, where many affluent residents live and luxury vehicles are common, the demand for fancy numbers continues to grow.

Davesh Moudgil himself has been an active political figure in the city for many years. He served as the mayor of Chandigarh in 2018 and has been associated with the BJP for nearly three decades. Over the years, he has held several important positions in the party, including deputy mayor and senior deputy mayor.

Apart from politics, he is also a practising advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

His purchase of the VIP number has once again highlighted the strong fascination people have with special vehicle registration numbers in Chandigarh.

Officials believe that this trend will continue in the future, and upcoming auctions are likely to attract even higher bids as more people compete for unique and prestigious numbers.