Car Ownership in India: A State-by-State Look at Who Owns Cars
Car ownership in India varies greatly from state to state, reflecting differences in income, infrastructure, and lifestyle. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21), some states boast a significantly higher percentage of households owning cars compared to others. This data gives us a fascinating insight into the economic landscape and mobility trends across the country.
Goa Leads the Pack in Car Ownership
The sunny state of Goa stands out with the highest percentage of car-owning households, at an impressive 45.2%. This high figure could be attributed to its thriving tourism industry, higher per capita income, and good road infrastructure. Following Goa are states like Kerala and the undivided Jammu & Kashmir, indicating a strong preference for personal vehicles in these regions as well.
Here’s a detailed look at the percentage of households that own a car across various Indian states and Union Territories:
| State/Union Territory | Percentage of Households Owning a Car (%) |
| Goa | 45.2% |
| Kerala | 24.2% |
| J&K (undivided) | 23.7% |
| Himachal Pradesh | 22.1% |
| Punjab | 21.9% |
| Nagaland | 21.3% |
| Sikkim | 20.9% |
| Delhi | 19.4% |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 19.3% |
| Manipur | 17.0% |
| Mizoram | 15.5% |
| Haryana | 15.3% |
| Meghalaya | 12.9% |
| Uttarakhand | 12.7% |
| Gujarat | 10.9% |
| Karnataka | 9.1% |
| Maharashtra | 8.7% |
| Rajasthan | 8.2% |
| Assam | 8.1% |
| Tamil Nadu | 6.5% |
| Telangana | 6.5% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 5.5% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5.3% |
| Tripura | 4.6% |
| Chhattisgarh | 4.3% |
| Odisha | 2.8% |
| West Bengal | 2.8% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 2.8% |
| Bihar | 2.0% |
Lower Ownership in Eastern States
On the other end of the spectrum, states in Eastern India, such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, show significantly lower car ownership percentages, ranging from 2.0% to 2.8%. This could be due to a variety of factors, including lower per capita income, different transportation preferences, or greater reliance on public transport.
Key Takeaways from the Data
- Economic Disparities: The data highlights economic differences across India, with wealthier states generally showing higher car ownership.
- Regional Variations: Western and Southern states, along with some North-Eastern states, tend to have higher ownership rates compared to some of the Eastern states.
- Infrastructure Impact: Regions with better road networks and tourism tend to see higher personal vehicle adoption.
- Urban vs. Rural: While not explicitly detailed here, car ownership is typically higher in urban areas compared to rural regions within each state.
This information from NFHS-5 provides a valuable snapshot of car ownership trends in India, offering insights for policymakers, automotive manufacturers, and anyone interested in the country’s socio-economic development.
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