13 lakh people, 15 lakh vehicles in Chandigarh
The Tribune Special: 2.21 lakh new additions in five years; two-wheelers lead the surge as RLA revenue tops Rs 1,448 crore
Chandigarh’s vehicular population continues to gallop far ahead of its human population, with the total number of vehicles registered in the Union Territory touching close to the 15-lakh mark against an estimated human population of about 13 lakhs.
Official data from the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA) reveals that as many as 2,21,497 new vehicles were registered in the city during the past five years alone, underlining an unrelenting motorisation boom and reinforcing Chandigarh’s position among cities with the highest per capita vehicle density in the country.
Sharing details, RLA Pradhuman Singh told The Tribune that the data clearly shows a sustained and steady rise in registrations year after year, with two-wheelers and motor cars continuing to dominate fresh additions. According to year-wise figures, 36,963 vehicles were registered in 2021, followed by 47,244 in 2022 and a sharp jump to 50,930 in 2023. Registrations dipped slightly to 40,762 in 2024 before climbing again in 2025 to 45,598 vehicles, which was nearly 12% higher than the previous year.
A closer look at category-wise trends shows that petrol two-wheelers remain the most sought-after vehicles by a wide margin. In 2025, as many as 23,466 petrol two-wheelers were registered — the highest figure not only for that year but also the highest single-category registration recorded in the past five years across all vehicle types. This underscores the city’s growing dependence on personal two-wheelers for daily mobility. Motor cars and LMVs followed, while electric vehicles, though still forming a smaller share of the overall fleet, continued to post consistent year-on-year growth, signalling a gradual but definite shift towards cleaner mobility options.
Year-wise category data shows that in 2021, the city registered 16,405 petrol two-wheelers along with 12,798 petrol LMVs, 6,033 diesel vehicles and a modest beginning in the electric segment. Registrations rose further in 2022 and 2023, with petrol two-wheelers remaining on top each year, even as electric and strong hybrid vehicles gained traction. In 2024, petrol two-wheelers again led the tally, while 2025 marked a clear rebound with the highest petrol two-wheeler registrations of the five-year period, alongside healthy numbers in petrol LMVs, diesel vehicles and EVs.
The cumulative data maintained by the RLA shows that a total of 9,14,023 vehicle registration certificates have been issued so far. Of these, motorcycles and scooters account for 4,78,282 certificates, while motor cars account for 4,35,741, clearly establishing two-wheelers as the single largest category on Chandigarh roads. When combined with registrations of LMVs, commercial vehicles, buses and other types over the years, the overall vehicular population has now climbed to close to 15 lakh, decisively surpassing the city’s human population.
The relentless rise in vehicle numbers has also translated into a sharp and consistent increase in government revenue. Official figures show that the RLA earned Rs 113.69 crore in 2020-21, which rose to Rs 182.91 crore in 2021-22 and further to Rs 253.65 crore in 2022-23. Revenue jumped to Rs 310.73 crore in 2023-24 and touched a high of Rs 341.84 crore in 2024-25. In the ongoing 2025-26 financial year, collections have already reached Rs 244.72 crore. Cumulatively, the RLA has earned Rs 1,447.56 crore from vehicle registration fees, road tax and related services during the past five years.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said the rising numbers reflected both increasing aspirations and the importance of transparent governance. “The steady growth in registrations shows how personal mobility continues to be a priority for city residents. At the same time, transparent and technology-driven systems at the RLA ensure accurate data, better compliance and improved service delivery. The challenge before us is to manage this growth sustainably and strengthen long-term mobility planning,” he told The Tribune.
With more than 100 new vehicles being added to city roads on an average every day and each resident effectively owning more than one vehicle, the data highlights the scale of the challenge facing Chandigarh. While rising incomes and aspirations continue to fuel vehicle ownership, the numbers also flag urgent concerns related to congestion, parking, pollution and the pressing need to promote public transport and sustainable mobility solutions.
VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS2021 36,9632022 47,2442023 50,9302024 40,7622025 45,598Total 2,21,497THE BIG PICTURE
Total vehicles registered: Close to 15 lakh
Estimated human population: About 13 lakh
Cumulative registration certificates issued: 9,14,023
Largest category: Motorcycles and scooters
Highest single-category figure: 23,466 petrol two-wheelers in 2025
RLA revenue (last five years): Rs 1,447.56 crore
WHAT IT MEANS
Chandigarh has decisively crossed the point where vehicles outnumber people, highlighting rising prosperity and mobility needs, but also underscoring the urgency for sustainable transport planning, improved public transit and better traffic management in the years ahead.
