Two-wheeler registrations rise in Pune amid public transport gaps
Two-wheeler registrations rise in Pune amid public transport gaps
The number of two-wheelers on Pune’s roads has increased by 5% to 10% this year, highlighting the growing reliance on private vehicles due to inadequate public transport.
Till December 27, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) registered 191,489 two-wheelers, a 5% rise compared to 2023. In Pimpri Chinchwad, 116,874 two-wheelers were registered, marking a nearly 10% increase from last year.
Car registrations are also catching up. In Pune, 68,859 cars have been registered so far, slightly below last year’s figure of 71,622. In Pimpri Chinchwad, 44,554 cars were registered this year, compared to 45,860 in 2023.
A Pune RTO official said two-wheelers are vital for the city as they are cheaper than cars and allow people to reach their destinations faster. The official added that car registrations might still surpass 2023 numbers by the end of the year.
The steady rise in vehicle registrations underscores the gaps in Pune’s public transportation system, which has failed to keep pace with the city’s growing population. With more people opting for private vehicles, traffic congestion and pollution are emerging as major concerns.
Transport experts believe addressing the shortcomings in public transit is crucial to reduce dependency on private vehicles. Expanding bus services, improving metro connectivity, and introducing other sustainable options are seen as key solutions.
The increasing vehicle numbers also put pressure on the city’s road infrastructure, which is already struggling to accommodate the growing traffic. The trend signals an urgent need for comprehensive urban transport planning in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
