Bengaluru’s traffic congestion is becoming increasingly problematic as the number of vehicles on its roads continues to grow at an alarming pace. The city now boasts over 1.2 crore registered vehicles, according to a report by The Times of India. Statewide, vehicle registrations have surged from just over 2.7 crore in March 2021 to more than 3.3 crore by February 2025. Bengaluru, in particular, has experienced a significant rise in motor vehicle ownership, with numbers climbing from just over 1 crore in March 2021 to the current 1.2 crore.
The transport department’s latest data reveals that two-wheelers remain the dominant mode of transport in Bengaluru. Registrations of two-wheelers have jumped by 23.5%, from 66.7 lakh in March 2021 to 82.4 lakh by February 2025. Passenger cars, too, have seen considerable growth, increasing by 21% from 20.8 lakh to 25.2 lakh in the same period.
Statewide, two-wheelers constitute nearly 71% of all vehicles on the road. By February 2025, Karnataka had 2.3 crore registered two-wheelers, reflecting the state’s reliance on motorcycles and scooters. Meanwhile, the number of registered cars across the state surged by 30%, from 37.5 lakh in March 2020 to 48.9 lakh by February 2025, signaling rising incomes and a growing middle class despite global economic challenges.
Interestingly, one of the fastest-growing vehicle categories is construction equipment. The number of such vehicles has skyrocketed by more than four times, from 4,816 units in March 2020 to 21,495 by February 2025. This explosive growth mirrors the state’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly in urban hubs like Bengaluru.
Bengaluru has also seen a notable rise in motor cabs and autorickshaws, with motor cab registrations increasing by 16.5% from 3.6 lakh in March 2023 to 4.2 lakh by February 2025. Autorickshaws, critical for last-mile connectivity, also saw a rise from 7.2 lakh in March 2020 to 8.8 lakh in February 2025.
In a striking milestone, Bengaluru overtook New Delhi in 2023 in the number of private cars plying on its roads. As the city grows and its vehicle numbers soar, the pressing issue of traffic congestion remains a challenge that demands urgent attention and sustainable urban planning.
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