Pune: As PMPML services continue to falter, autorickshaw and cab fares skyrocket, and the Metro reach staying limited, commuters are increasingly turning to their own vehicles. The result? A relentless rise in private vehicle ownership — clogging roads but offering a sense of independence.RTO data highlights the trend — a staggering 3.3 lakh vehicles registered this year, surpassing last year’s 3 lakh, an increase of more than 9%.For Shivajinagar resident and student Akshay Khedekar, owning a two-wheeler is non-negotiable. “I bought one this year, bringing our household tally to four two-wheelers and a car. You simply can’t depend on PMPML buses if punctuality matters, and autorickshaws and cabs here overcharge. I’m no activist. I just need a vehicle to travel faster,” he said.Two-wheelers and cars led the registration surge this year as compared to the past four years. Over 2.1 lakh two-wheelers and 74,814 cars were registered this year — up from 1.9 lakh two-wheelers and 69,447 cars in 2024. In 2023, registrations stood at 1.8 lakh two-wheelers and 71,334 cars. “This year marks a record in terms of vehicle registrations,” a senior Pune RTO official told TOI. Officials at the Pimpri Chinchwad RTO said they were still compiling detailed vehicle data.While experts and activists expressed concern over the growing number of vehicles in the city, commuters argued that they had limited options. “We hope the soon-to-be-elected corporators will recognise the urgent need for an efficient public transport system. Right now, what choices do we really have? I had to buy a two-wheeler for my daughter because she has college and tuition classes. She’s short on time, and travelling by bus simply isn’t practical,” Mukund Dixit, a public sector employee and Hadapsar resident, said.Wakad resident Karuna Shastri shared a similar experience. “For two months, I commuted to work using autorickshaws and cabs. When I calculated the expenses, it was way too much. On top of that, cab and autorickshaw drivers often overcharge with excuses like meter issues. So, I bought a second-hand car, and now I’m comfortable driving myself. Why don’t the authorities take action against such practices? Public transport should make life easier, not harder,” Shastri, a bank employee, said.Earlier, experts like sustainable mobility specialist Pranjali Deshpande and Save Pune Traffic Movement head Harshad Abhyankar criticised the surge in private vehicles and urged govt to prioritise reliable bus services. “PMPML buses are rarely on time and frequently break down. The Pune Metro doesn’t cover the entire city, and last-mile connectivity is still a major issue. Auto and cab drivers often exploit commuters. So why shouldn’t I buy my own vehicle? Don’t these experts and activists own cars and bikes themselves?” questioned Siddharth Prasad, a Karvenagar resident working in the private sector.GRAPHICTotal vehicle registrations in Pune2025: 3,30,3342024: 3,02,338Increase: 9%Two-wheeler registrations:2025: 2,11,6822024: 1,92,6032023: 1,81,2892022: 1,60,3582021: 1,01,419Car registrations:2025: 74,8142024: 69,4472023: 71,3342022: 66,2082021: 48,787(Source: Pune RTO)MSID:: 126270209 413 |
