Key determinants of vehicle ownership in Indian cities
Student name: Ms Neha Oli
Guide: Dr Suresh Jain
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Ravi Gadepalli
Abstract: This study carries out statistical investigation to determine the key parameters which impact
vehicle ownership in Indian cities. It provides a pan-India overview through user- end
perspective with focus on 53 million plus cities.
Characteristics and their indicators were identified to prepare a preliminary list of
determinants through national and international review. Six parameters have been selected
based on travel, demographic, economic characteristics and availability of shared mobility.
These are buses per 1000 population, taxis per 1000 population, GDP per capita, average trip
Length and population density.
The data analysis has been conducted in two-phases. In first phase, urban mobility trends in
cities with different population sizes were explained in the study using excel based analysis. In
the second phase, three models have been developed in this study using multiple linear
regression analysis. These included percent household ownership of four-wheelers
(cars/jeeps/van), percent household ownership of two-wheelers (scooters/mopeds/motorcycles)
and household ownership of total private vehicles.
The key findings of the study have been summarised as statistically significant predictors of
these models. The study concludes that cities tends to own more four wheelers with increase in
average trip length, GDP per capita, buses and with decrease in auto rickshaws. Cities tend to
own more two-wheelers with decrease in GDP per capita and increase in average trip length.
Further, cities tend to own both two wheelers and four -wheelers with increase in average trip
length, buses and decrease in GDP per capita.
Key words: vehicle ownership, shared mobility, demographic, travel, economic
