Vehicle registrations in Pune are expected to exceed last year’s festive season figures, with the city witnessing strong buying activity in the run-up to dussehra. According to officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), 8,717 vehicles were registered between September 21 and 29 this year.
According to Times of India, the RTO released its latest data on Monday evening, showing that 2,554 cars were registered during the Navaratra period. As per the Vahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the total vehicular population under the Pune RTO has now crossed 42 lakh.
“Last year, between October 1 and 9, we registered 9,582 vehicles. With two days still to go for Dasara, we expect this year’s total to surpass that number. Typically, the last two days before the festival witness a sharp rise in registrations,” an RTO official said.
EV sales led by two-wheelers
In the electric vehicle (EV) category, 814 vehicles — mostly two-wheelers — were registered during this Navaratra, compared to 1,025 EVs last year. Officials, however, remain optimistic that EV sales will pick up momentum, aided by the recent reduction in GST rates.
“We expect EV registrations to rise as lower GST will make electric vehicles more affordable. The current festive season started slow for EVs, but the recent tax cuts should boost demand in the coming days,” the official added.
Buyers across the city are taking advantage of festive offers and GST benefits, with many choosing to take delivery on Dasara, considered an auspicious occasion for new purchases.
“I have bought a two-wheeler for my daughter and plan to take delivery on Dasara. The GST reduction made it more affordable,” said Siddhi Kamker, an IT professional from Undri.
However, high demand during the festive period has led to delivery delays for some customers.
“I’ve booked a hatchback, but the dealer said it may not be delivered before Diwali due to heavy bookings,” said Palak Gokule, an entrepreneur from Magarpatta.
Others have timed their purchases well in advance to align with the festive period.
“I booked my car before Pitru Paksha to ensure I could take delivery now. I initially planned for Dhanteras, but my family wanted the vehicle earlier,” said Arvind Karad, a working professional from Wanowrie.
With only two days left for Dasara, officials anticipate a last-minute surge in registrations as Pune residents continue to take advantage of festive discounts, GST cuts, and auspicious timing to buy their new vehicles.
