Bengaluru: Once dubbed the “Garden City,” Bengaluru now teeters on the edge of being labeled the pollution capital of India — thanks to an explosive growth in vehicle registrations. With an average of 2,500 new vehicles hitting the roads daily, the city is seeing a rapid spike in both traffic congestion and air pollution levels, sparking serious environmental and infrastructural concerns.
As per transport department data, more than 55,000–60,000 new vehicles are registered every month in Karnataka’s capital. In 2024–25 alone, over 1.23 crore vehicles are plying Bengaluru’s streets — including 83 lakh two-wheelers and 25 lakh cars. In contrast, Delhi currently has around 1.54 crore registered vehicles, and experts fear that Bengaluru may soon surpass Delhi, making it the most vehicle-choked city in India.
Key Figures:
- Daily registrations: ~2,500 vehicles
- 1,580 two-wheelers
- 484 private cars
- 320 commercial and public transport vehicles
- Total vehicles in Karnataka (March 2025): Over 3.34 crore
- Vehicles in Bengaluru: Over 1.23 crore
- Delhi-Bengaluru vehicle gap: Only 30.6 lakh
Traffic experts and urban planners are sounding the alarm, urging the state government to bring in stricter parking and registration rules.
“The government should mandate proof of parking before allowing car ownership. Road space is meant for commuting, not parking. Unregulated ownership will only worsen congestion, fuel consumption, and pollution,” said a senior traffic analyst.
The data comes amid rising public concerns over air quality in the city. With traffic snarls stretching for hours and vehicle emissions worsening the urban smog, environmentalists warn that without immediate policy intervention, Bengaluru could face Delhi-like air quality crises, including increased respiratory illnesses and reduced livability.
What Experts Recommend:
- Implement “proof of parking” regulations before allowing vehicle purchase
- Develop and expand public transport infrastructure
- Impose higher taxes or congestion charges on new vehicle registrations
- Launch targeted pollution control and urban planning initiatives
As the vehicle population swells, Bengaluru’s roads — already choked — are on the brink of collapse. The city, once known for its green cover and cool climate, now stares at a future clouded by smog and gridlock.
