Vizag: Vehicle population reaches 14L; 75% of them 2-wheelers

Visakhapatnam: The vehicle population has more than doubled in the last 10 years in Vizag city. From around 6 lakh in 2012, the number of vehicles has reached 14 lakh in 2022.

Two-wheeler continues to dominate on Vizag roads, accounting for over 75 percent of the total vehicular population, followed by cars at 15 percent.

However, the RTA officials say that the number of vehicles could be more since out-of-state registered vehicles belonging to employees with various PSUs have been plying on the city roads.

"People have begun to choose personal mobility solutions in Vizag city. Two-wheelers, which now number over ten lakhs, occupy more than half of the road space in the city and incidentally, two-wheeler riders were the most victims in road crashes. The use of personalized vehicles in the city has been increasing at a rapid pace. This has resulted in increased congestion on the city's roads. We are appealing to the people to follow the traffic norms for a safe journey," said Deputy Transport Commissioner, Vizag, GC Rajaratnam.

B Srinivas, a reputed realtor in Vizag city, said everybody wants to have a bike or car because of inadequate public transport facilities in Vizag city. "The public representatives and the officials are aware that the city lacks proper public transport facilities and infrastructure, they have done nothing to improve the facilities and infrastructure. If the scenario continues," he said.

Though traveling by city bus is the cheapest and safest, the services are not sufficient to cater to the increasing population in the city. "I had faced difficulties getting to my office from my residence. With no other option except to opt for a bike, I purchased the bike a few months ago", said T Srinath, an employee with a private firm in Vizag city.

The strengthening of public transport will play a major role in development. "But the poor last-mile connectivity and a limited fleet of city buses of APSRTC and absence of local trains and Metro rail are pushing more and more Vizagites to opt for private vehicles (bikes and cars) to reach their destinations. Though the Metro rail was proposed, no one knows when it will translate into action in Vizag city," expressed some youngsters.

Fuel prices have been burning a hole in the pockets of auto-rickshaw operators. "We have been creating awareness among the three-wheelers for conversion to CNG in Vizag city. The process of conversion to CNG auto-rickshaws has begun and in the coming days we can witness more CNG three-wheelers in Vizag city," said RTA personnel.