Bengaluru Surpasses Delhi in Private Car Ownership: A Comparative Analysis

In India, where cities never sleep and roads are always buzzing, Bengaluru and Delhi stand out. They're not just big cities; they're like engines driving the country forward. And when it comes to cars, these two cities have their own stories to tell.

Bengaluru has grabbed the spotlight, boasting the most private cars of any Indian city. Meanwhile, Delhi, the capital, has seen a decline in car ownership. What's behind these trends? Let's take a closer look.

Picture Bengaluru, the city of dreams for many, where traffic jams are part of daily life. Despite the chaos, more and more people are buying cars here. On the flip side, Delhi, with its historical importance and bustling streets, is seeing fewer private cars on its roads.

What's causing this shift? In Bengaluru, it's partly about the city's growth and people's desire for a better lifestyle. But with more cars comes more traffic, and Bengaluru is feeling the squeeze. On the other hand, Delhi is trying to clean up its act. It's saying goodbye to old, polluting cars, which means fewer cars overall.

From the busy streets of Bengaluru to the changing policies in Delhi, we'll explore what's driving these changes and what it means for the people living there. So hop in, and let's hit the road to discover the stories behind the cars in Bengaluru and Delhi!

Key Highlights

• Bengaluru leads: Bengaluru now tops Delhi in private car ownership, boasting 23.1 lakh cars as of March 2023, surpassing Delhi's count.
• Bengaluru's factors: Bengaluru's rise is fueled by economic growth, urbanization, and the allure of car ownership, despite facing severe traffic congestion issues.
• Delhi's decline: Delhi has seen a sharp decline in private cars, with only 20.7 lakh cars in 2023, a significant drop since 2021, attributed to Supreme Court bans on older vehicles.
• Supreme Court impact: The Supreme Court's 2018 decision banning older vehicles catalyzed Delhi's reduction in private car ownership, aiming to curb pollution levels.
• Policy interventions: Delhi's transport department implemented measures to deregister and scrap older vehicles, along with incentives for cleaner transport options, reshaping the city's mobility landscape.

Bengaluru: The New Leader in Private Car Ownership

According to the Delhi Statistical Handbook 2023, Bengaluru has surpassed Delhi to become the Indian city with the highest number of private cars. As of March 31, 2023, Bengaluru boasted a total of 23.1 lakh private cars, exceeding Delhi's count. This surge in private car ownership can be attributed to various factors, including economic growth, urbanisation, and the aspirational lifestyle associated with car ownership.

However, this rise in private car ownership has come at a cost. Bengaluru, often hailed as India's Silicon Valley, grapples with notorious traffic congestion, a persistent issue exacerbated by poor infrastructure and public transport. The city's residents face worsening traffic problems due to factors like rain and festivals, often choosing not to openly discuss the matter.

In 2022, Bengaluru earned the undesirable distinction of being the second most congested city globally, trailing behind London. Commuters in Bengaluru's city centre took an average of 29 minutes and 10 seconds to cover a 10 km distance, with an average rush hour speed of 18 kmph. 

The profound impact of traffic congestion on the daily lives of Bengalureans is evident, with residents spending a significant amount of time navigating through traffic, dedicating 260 hours (equivalent to 10 days) to driving, with 134 hours attributed to congestion-related delays.

Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to address the issue. Artificial intelligence is being employed to monitor and address traffic violations, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve the overall traffic situation in Bengaluru.

Delhi: A Decline in Private Car Ownership

In contrast to Bengaluru's upward trajectory in private car ownership, Delhi, the national capital, has seen a sharp decline in the number of private cars. As of March 31, 2023, Delhi had 20.7 lakh private cars, indicating a substantial 38.8% drop since March 31, 2021.

The major reason for this decline can be traced back to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in October 2018. The court banned diesel vehicles aged over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years in a bid to curb pollution levels in the city. This decision catalyzed a significant reduction in the number of older vehicles on Delhi's roads, contributing to the decline in private car ownership.

Additionally, the transport department in Delhi has taken measures to de-register and scrap overaged and condemned vehicles, further reducing the number of private cars in the city. These actions, coupled with incentives for adopting cleaner and greener modes of transport, have played a pivotal role in reshaping Delhi's urban mobility landscape.

While the specific distribution of car body types in these cities is not available, the overall trend of car ownership provides valuable insights into the changing urban landscape of India. Bengaluru's ascent as the city with the highest number of private cars underscores its rapid urbanization and economic growth, albeit accompanied by challenges such as traffic congestion. 

In contrast, Delhi's decline in private car ownership reflects a concerted effort towards sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions, driven by regulatory interventions and public policy measures.

Other Reason Could be: 

Per Capita Income Comparison: Delhi and Bengaluru in 2023

The economic landscape of India’s major cities, Delhi and Bengaluru, has seen significant changes over the years. So it could be one of the reason in terms of purchasing capacity of cars. 

Delhi’s Per Capita Income in 2023

Delhi, the national capital of India, witnessed an increase of 14% in its per capita income in 2023. The estimated per capita income in Delhi was around 4.44 lakhs Indian rupees.

Bengaluru’s Per Capita Income in 2023

Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, also saw a rise in its per capita income. The estimated per capita income across Bengaluru was around 6.21 lakhs Indian rupees.

Per capita income of Delhi and Bengaluru in 2023: