Mumbai’s burgeoning vehicle population has reached a new high, with the total count surpassing 48 lakh, including 14 lakh private cars and approximately 29 lakh two-wheelers. This rapid increase, averaging 721 new vehicle registrations daily at the city’s four regional transport offices (RTOs) in 2023-24, raises significant concerns among experts about the sustainability of Mumbai’s transport infrastructure.
The western suburbs bear the brunt with 21 lakh registered vehicles, followed by 14 lakh in the island city and 13 lakh in the eastern suburbs. This exponential growth in vehicle numbers is exacerbating existing issues of road congestion, pollution, and parking shortages, highlighting the urgent need for strategic interventions. Transport expert Vivek Pai voiced apprehensions about the city’s capacity to handle the growing vehicle fleet, stating, “Mumbai’s vehicle count is three times what the city infrastructure can manage. We need to implement congestion charges in commercial areas, introduce car purchase lotteries as seen in some international cities, and enforce robust parking policies. Additionally, promoting car sharing can reduce the time private vehicles remain idle.”
The surge in vehicle registrations correlates with Mumbai’s rising population, leading to increased competition for limited road space. Public policy analyst, focused on transportation, suggests that strengthening public transport is essential. “With the suburban rail network nearing capacity, enhancing bus services for last-mile connectivity is crucial. Dedicated bus lanes could further augment the efficiency of trains and metros, potentially curbing the reliance on private vehicles.”
Transport activists argue that while Metro lines are designed to alleviate road traffic, the benefit may be offset by the influx of new vehicles, driven by accessible car loans and promotional discounts. “To counter this trend, government initiatives should encourage carpooling and ride-sharing,” advised one expert. “Investing in electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure is also vital to address air pollution and reduce fossil fuel dependence.” Experts stress that improving public transport’s first- and last-mile connectivity is critical to managing the private vehicle boom.
