Only 2.7% of Odisha’s population owns a car, less than 50% have a bike: Govt survey

In a revealing nationwide survey on vehicle ownership, Odisha ranks near the bottom with only 2.7% of households owning a car, well below the national average of 7.5%.

Even two-wheeler penetration in the state remains concerningly low, with just 43.5% of households owning a motorcycle or scooter, compared to the all-India average of 49.5%. The data was revealed in the last conducted National Family Health Survey-5.

This positions Odisha alongside states like Bihar (2% car ownership, 27.2% bike ownership) and West Bengal (2.8% car, 28.5% bike) as part of a cluster where economic limitations and poor transport infrastructure deeply restrict personal mobility.

Disparity Amid Development

While Odisha has recorded positive economic growth in sectors like mining, steel, and IT, this vehicle ownership data highlights an alarming disconnect between macro-level development indicators and the actual mobility of its population.

In contrast, states like Goa (45.2% car, 86.7% bike) and Kerala (24.2% car, 58.2% bike) display high vehicular penetration, which is often associated with higher per capita income, better road infrastructure, and access to affordable credit.

Even Telangana, a relatively new state, has 52% of households owning cars, a statistic that starkly contrasts with Odisha’s 2.7%.

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Mobility Crisis in Rural and Tribal Areas

Experts suggest that Odisha’s rural and tribal demographics play a key role in low vehicle ownership.

With nearly 83% of the population residing in rural areas, many villages lack all-weather roads, banking access, or public transport connectivity. For large segments of the population, owning a vehicle is either economically unviable or impractical.

Accident Spike Despite Fewer Vehicles

Paradoxically, low vehicle ownership has not translated into safer roads. Odisha recorded a staggering 6,142 road accident deaths in 2024, a 7% rise over 2023 and a 29.6% jump in just five years, according to government data.

In total, 12,375 accidents were reported across the state last year. More worryingly, Odisha's accident severity rate, the number of deaths per 100 accidents, stands at 49.6%, well above the national average of 37%.

In tribal belts, women often walk several kilometres to reach health centres or markets. In coastal and flood-prone districts, bus routes are frequently disrupted. While Bhubaneswar and Cuttack have seen some improvement with Mo Bus and e-rickshaw systems, rural Odisha is largely left behind.

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As the state marches toward industrial growth, it must also ensure equitable mobility and safer roads for its people. Without that, the wheels of development may remain stuck for many.