Bengaluru’s vehicle surge raises alarms over traffic gridlock, over 59,000 added in August alone

Bengaluru is experiencing an unprecedented surge in private vehicle ownership, intensifying fears of worsening Bengaluru traffic and congestion across the city. According to Transport Department data, August 2025 alone saw the addition of nearly 59,000 two-wheelers and cars—marking the steepest monthly rise since the start of the financial year.

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The pace of registrations has steadily climbed this year. From 49,166 new vehicles in April, the figure rose to 50,311 in May, 53,394 in June, 51,595 in July, and 58,913 in August. This sharp rise represents nearly a 20% increase over April’s numbers.

With these additions, Bengaluru’s fleet of private two-wheelers and cars has crossed 1.06 crore, out of a total vehicular population exceeding 1.21 crore. Private vehicles now account for almost 88% of the city’s registered traffic, underscoring the heavy dependence on personal mobility in the absence of adequate mass transit options.

City is edging closer to permanent gridlock

Urban mobility specialists caution that the city is edging closer to permanent gridlock, with vehicle growth far outpacing improvements in public transportation. They stress that the imbalance stems from years of fragmented urban planning and delayed infrastructure projects.

Experts argue that addressing the crisis requires empowering statutory planning bodies such as the Metropolitan Planning Committee and District Planning Committees with urban planners, transport experts, economists, and sociologists to design data-driven master plans. They also warn against investing in large-scale road projects like double-decker flyovers and tunnel roads, urging a shift towards sustainable, evidence-based development strategies.