Frustrated by unreliable public transportation and soaring fares, Pune's residents are buying private vehicles in unprecedented numbers, leading to a record surge in registrations and worsening traffic congestion across the city.
Record-Breaking Numbers Highlight a Growing Crisis
Data from the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) reveals a stark trend. In 2025, a staggering 3.3 lakh (330,334) vehicles were registered, marking a significant jump of over 9% from the previous year's 3.02 lakh (302,338). This surge is primarily driven by two-wheelers and cars, underscoring a massive shift towards personal mobility.
The breakdown of registrations shows a consistent upward climb:
- Two-wheeler registrations in 2025: 2,11,682 (up from 1,92,603 in 2024 and 1,81,289 in 2023).
- Car registrations in 2025: 74,814 (up from 69,447 in 2024).
A senior Pune RTO official confirmed to TOI that this year has set a new record for vehicle registrations in the city.
Commuters Voice Their Struggle: "What Choice Do We Have?"
Behind these statistics are countless stories of daily hardship. For students like Shivajinagar resident Akshay Khedekar, owning a vehicle became essential. "I bought one this year. You simply cannot depend on PMPML buses if punctuality matters, and autorickshaws and cabs here overcharge. I just need a vehicle to travel faster," he explained. His household now owns four two-wheelers and a car.
Mukund Dixit, a public sector employee from Hadapsar, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the lack of practical options. "I had to buy a two-wheeler for my daughter because she has college and tuition classes. Travelling by bus isn't practical when you're short on time," he said, hoping newly elected corporators would prioritise an efficient public transport system.
The financial strain of relying on cabs and autos was a key factor for Wakad resident Karuna Shastri, a bank employee. "After two months of commuting by auto and cab, the expenses were way too high. Drivers often overcharge with excuses like meter issues. I bought a second-hand car for comfort and reliability," she stated, questioning why authorities don't curb such exploitative practices.
Experts Warn, But Commuters Defend Their Decision
While urban mobility experts and activists have expressed deep concern over this unsustainable growth in private vehicles, many commuters feel justified in their choices. Sustainable mobility specialist Pranjali Deshpande and Harshad Abhyankar of Save Pune Traffic Movement have urged the government to prioritise reliable bus services to reverse the trend.
However, for citizens like Siddharth Prasad from Karvenagar, the criticism rings hollow amidst daily realities. "PMPML buses are rarely on time and frequently break down. The Pune Metro doesn't cover the entire city, and last-mile connectivity is a major issue. Auto and cab drivers exploit commuters. So why shouldn't I buy my own vehicle?" he questioned.
The collective frustration points to a systemic failure. With PMPML services faltering, Metro reach remaining limited, and alternative modes like autorickshaws becoming unaffordable, Pune's roads are bearing the brunt of a swelling fleet of private vehicles, offering independence to commuters at the cost of the city's breathable space and mobility.
