Patna: Bihar accounted for more than five percent of all vehicles sold in India in 2024, registering 13.95 lakh new vehicles in a single year, the state’s Economic Survey has revealed. The figures place Bihar fifth nationally in the registration of public transport vehicles and seventh in private vehicle registrations.
Patna emerged as the biggest contributor within the state, with more than 1,66,000 vehicles registered in the capital alone during the year. Overall, Bihar trailed only Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in total vehicle sales.
According to the survey, registrations in the financial year 2024–25 included around 11.26 lakh two-wheelers, 77,000 cars, 78,000 taxis and cabs, 45,000 three-wheelers, 23,000 trucks and nearly 3,000 buses. The surge translated into government revenue of Rs 3,678 crore from vehicle registrations in just one year.
Despite the growth in private and commercial vehicle ownership, the survey flags a contrasting trend in public transport usage. The Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC) has seen a steady decline in both passenger numbers and revenue over the past two years. In 2023–24, BSRTC carried about 2,21,000 passengers and earned Rs 123 crore. In 2024–25, passenger numbers fell to 1,83,000, with revenue declining to Rs 113.21 crore.
The survey also highlights progress in licensing and road safety infrastructure. Over the past five years, Bihar issued a total of 21.38 lakh driving licences, with the highest annual figure — 8,72,000 — recorded in 2019–20. To improve driving standards, the state is working on a plan to establish automated driving test tracks in all 38 districts. Of the 74 motor driving training schools proposed, 35 have already been completed.
On road safety compensation, the survey notes that under the hit-and-run scheme, dependents of those killed in accidents receive Rs 2 lakh, while injured victims are compensated Rs 50,000. As of September 2025, compensation had been disbursed to 6,656 beneficiaries across the state.
