Dhanteras, an auspicious occasion for new vehicle registrations, saw car sales shooting up by 20% in Mumbai over bookings during pre-Covid 2019, statistics received from the transport department reveal.
Over 2,000 cars-2,092 to be precise-were registered during the week as compared to 1,749 cars booked during the 2019 Dhanteras. Last year saw 1,923 car deliveries. In the case of two-wheelers, registrations zoomed by 49% as compared to last year, but the figure was 7% short of the Dhanteras bookings in 2019. This year, the registrations also included 415 electric vehicles and 848 vehicles of all categories plying on CNG, a senior official said.
Statistics show that this Dhanteras, Tardeo RTO in the island city topped both car and bike registrations with 603 four-wheelers and 1,335 two-wheelers rolling out. Andheri RTO was at the bottom with 450 cars and 998 bikes registered.
“There are positive buying sentiments this Dhanteras-Diwali,” a car dealer from Mulund said, adding that there was a huge rush for inquiries from early October.
Automobile purchase in Mumbai usually peaks during four days of the year-Dhanteras-Diwali, Dussehra, Gudi Padwa and Akshaya Tritiya. These are considered auspicious days to start new ventures, move into new apartments or buy gold and vehicles.
A senior RTO official said this year has seen a big rush for cars and bikes as Covid curbs have been lifted and people are coming out in large numbers to celebrate festivals since Ganesotsav. He explained that while many people seem to prefer personal vehicles for commuting now, another added attraction has been new and upgraded models that have hit the market which seem to have lured many to replace their old vehicles. The transport department has now given powers to car and bike dealers to complete vehicle registration process and fee payments with minimal involvement of RTO staff. The entire process being online, there is also less chance for corruption, officials said.
Read More:
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is celebrated each year as the first day to mark the beginning of Diwali. On this day, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs buy brass, silver and gold objects as it is regarded as one of the most auspicious and ideal days to purchase expensive items. This year, Dhanteras is being celebrated on October 22 and 23.