The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Panvel has been witnessing registration of the highest number of high-end luxury cars for the past few years, compared to other RTOs in the region. These luxury automobiles are those high-end cars, which cost more than Rs 50 lakh each, and can go up to more than Rs 1 crore.

Officials at the Vashi RTO revealed that the Local Body Tax (LBT) of 3 per cent, which is applicable for vehicle registration at Vashi, is the main reason behind more vehicles getting registered at Panvel. As per the 3 per cent LBT, a motorist purchasing a vehicle costing R1 lakh would have to pay additional Rs 3,000 for this cess.