One family, multiple vehicles: Hyderabad gridlock deepens as second-vehicle ownership surges

HYDERABAD: The traffic situation in Hyderabad is such that even running an errand on a bike during peak hours of the day has become a time-consuming task. What is pushing the city to this gridlock, say experts, is the growing number of citizens opting for a second personal vehicle, either a car or a bike.

Now, nearly one in every nine motorists in the city owns more than one vehicle. Data with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) shows that while Hyderabad already has about 88 lakh registered vehicles, more than 9.5 lakh motorists own a second vehicle.


The data also shows ownership of multiple vehicles surged after the pandemic, with more than 50% of second vehicles being bought since 2020. In just the past five years, 5.2 lakh additional vehicles were added to the city roads solely as second vehicles.

Traffic experts point out that the second vehicle is often used by different family members during peak hours — for commuting to work, school drop-offs or running errands — adding to road congestion.

"Earlier, one vehicle served an entire household. Now, multiple vehicles from the same home are on the road at the same time, especially during morning and evening peak hours," an RTA official said.

Over 2 lakh own second car

The rise in second-car ownership has also taken its toll on the city's roads. More than 2 lakh people in Hyderabad now own two cars, sparking gridlocks and intensifying parking shortages in residential and commercial areas. Roads that were designed decades ago to handle far fewer vehicles are now struggling to cope with this surge.

Transport officials say that the problem is compounded by limited bus and suburban rail services, and lack of reliable last-mile connectivity prompting families to rely on personal vehicles. While second vehicles double household mobility, they also lead to

longer travel times, slower average speeds, and frequent bottlenecks at junctions.

Experts warn that unless public transport is bolstered, parking regulations enforced, and policies — such as congestion pricing, higher parking fees, and incentives for carpooling — introduced to discourage excessive private vehicle ownership, Hyderabad's traffic situation will only worsen, and rapidly.

Lack of options

Urban mobility experts say Hyderabad's growing dependence on second vehicles is largely driven by weak public transport, changing lifestyles, and rising purchasing power. Experts say only about 30% of the city's population relies on public transport, while the rest use personal vehicles for daily travel.

"In many four to five member households, it is now common to find three or even four vehicles, often parked on public roads as apartment complexes lack adequate parking space," says Vinod Kumar Kanumala from the Indian Federation of Road Safety. "Narrow internal roads in residential colonies are choked with parked vehicles, making it difficult for even two-wheelers and emergency vehicles to pass through. Even in my own three-member family, there are two cars and two two-wheelers, largely because public transport does not meet our daily commuting needs."

He pointed out that easy access to vehicle loans, low down-payments, and longer repayment tenures have made car and two-wheeler ownership affordable even for people with lower income.

Not a luxury anymore
For many, owning a second vehicle is a necessity and not a luxury.

Sai Kaushik, a resident of BHEL, says multiple vehicles are essential to manage daily travel. "I take my two-wheeler to office because it helps me beat traffic and reach on time. But when I travel with my family or have to go longer distances, I depend on my car. Public transport is not a reliable alternative as buses and metro trains are always overcrowded, especially during peak hours. That's why a second vehicle became unavoidable," Kaushik points out.

Most residents echo similar concerns. G Sandeep, a resident of Kondapur who owns two cars and a scooter, says: "My wife and I work in different parts of the city and our office timings don't match. Depending on buses or the metro is impractical because of overcrowding. Owning a second vehicle is the only way we can manage our schedules."

He adds that parking has become a major problem in residential areas. "Our apartment parking is already full, so one vehicle ends up on the roadside. Every household on this street has at least two vehicles now."

Should there be tougher norms?

Meanwhile, experts argue that stringent regulations are needed to curb second-vehicle ownership, rather than relying on the current nominal 2% motor vehicle tax. They point to Singapore's strict vehicle ownership framework as a model worth examining.

Singapore regulates car ownership through its Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, under which every vehicle — including a second one — requires a fresh COE, along with steep additional registration fee (ARF), customs duties, and congestion-linked charges, making multiple vehicle ownership prohibitively expensive.

"There should be significantly higher taxes and regulatory disincentives to discourage people from owning second vehicles," says TS Reddy, retired official from Central Road Research Institute and transport planning expert. "One key policy intervention could be making it mandatory for vehicle buyers to prove the availability of designated parking space in their apartment or premises before registration is approved."

But Reddy also warns that vehicle owners alone cannot be blamed for the problem as poor public transport and last-mile connectivity issues are pushing people towards additional means for personal mobility.

How global cities are cracking down on vehicle ownership
Singapore
Must scrap vehicles after 10 years. Known for strict transport controls and limited land, Singapore manages vehicle numbers through the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. Buyers must bid in government auctions for limited certificates released monthly based on road capacity and environmental goals. A COE lasts 10 years; owners must then scrap the vehicle or pay steep renewal fees, making second-car ownership prohibitively expensive for most households.

Japan
Proof-of-parking must for registration. Japan regulates vehicle ownership through strict space management, especially in dense cities. Before registering a car, owners must secure a ‘Shako Shomei-sho’ (proof-ofparking certificate) from local police, confirming access to a legal parking space near their residence. Without it, registration is denied. Securing extra parking in crowded areas like Tokyo is costly and limited, making second-vehicle ownership difficult.

Beijing
Vehicle quota caps new registrations. Beijing curbs private vehicle growth through a strict quota system limiting annual registrations. Prospective owners must obtain a licence plate quota via lottery or auction; without it, they cannot buy, transfer, or register a vehicle, including those brought from outside the city. High demand and limited quotas mean extremely low odds and years-long waits, significantly slowing the rise of private vehicle ownership.