Even with the apparent rise in the popularity of four-wheelers, two-wheelers continue to dominate the city’s roads, revealed data obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Abhay Kolarkar. The figures from the Nagpur City Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the past three years show that motorcycles and scooters remain the top choice for citizens. The data revealed that between January 2022 and December 2024, a total of 7,69,164 two-wheelers were registered in the city, compared to 1,73,524 four-wheelers. Year-wise figures underline the overwhelming preference. While 2,95,999 two-wheelers were added in 2022, only 53,929 four-wheelers hit the road. In 2023, registrations stood at 2,61,186 for bikes and 63,101 for cars. For 2024, until December, a total of 2,12,059 two-wheelers were registered against 56,494 four-wheelers.

 

A closer look at the data also shows that heavy vehicles, autorickshaws, and other categories remain a fraction of the total registrations. In 2023, for example, the city added only 25,661 autorickshaws and 23,067 heavy vehicles, numbers negligible when compared to two-wheelers. Experts point out that affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of navigating congested roads are the main reasons for the continued popularity of bikes in the city. Moreover, for many families, a two-wheeler remains the first choice of personal mobility before upgrading to a four-wheeler. The data also highlights a gradual but steady increase in four-wheeler registrations, reflecting changing aspirations of the middle class. However, experts note that the lack of adequate public transport and parking infrastructure in the city, as highlighted by The Hitavada in a series recently, could further influence these trends. While cars may symbolise status and comfort, the city’s streets continue to be ruled by bikes, underlining that practicality still outweighs prestige for the majority of its citizens.