Mumbai’s roads are grappling with an unprecedented surge in vehicles, now totalling 47.3 lakh as of March this year, marking an increase of 2.6 lakh vehicles within a year. This equates to an alarming average of 2,365 vehicles per kilometre, according to the latest state economic survey report.
The influx of light motor vehicles, including private cars, has notably contributed to this rise, with numbers climbing from 14.4 lakh to 15.3 lakh over the previous year. The overall number of motor vehicles in Maharashtra has reached nearly 4.6 crore, a 6% increase from the previous fiscal year, with Mumbai accounting for 10.3% of these registrations. Additionally, nearly 4 lakh electric vehicles were registered in the state as of December 2023. Transport analysts are sounding the alarm over the potential exacerbation of existing issues such as congestion, pollution, and the scarcity of parking spaces. They recommend implementing measures to make purchasing new vehicles more challenging, thereby encouraging the acquisition of pre-owned cars. “This approach will help maintain a constant number of vehicles and facilitate the phasing out of older ones. In the long term, a car census for each city is essential. If even 40% of Mumbaikars were to use their vehicles on the same day, the city’s roads could become gridlocked within an hour. Additionally, many vehicles brought from other cities or states without proper registration contribute significantly to congestion,” noted a transport expert.
Conversely, private car dealers argue that owning a car has transitioned from a status symbol to a necessity for many. “For some, especially the elderly, a car is indispensable for mobility. Others require vehicles for daily long-distance commutes,” stated a car dealership representative. The burgeoning vehicle numbers underscore a critical challenge for urban planners and policymakers. Mumbai’s infrastructure, already stretched thin, faces mounting pressure to accommodate the growing vehicular population. The need for sustainable transport solutions and effective regulatory measures has never been more urgent to mitigate the adverse effects on the city’s environment and quality of life. The data and expert opinions highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to manage the vehicular boom and its implications. With Mumbai’s population continuing to expand, balancing accessibility, mobility, and environmental sustainability remains a formidable task.
