New Delhi, May 23 -- Two decades ago, Chandigarh's broad avenues and sparse traffic left many wondering if the city had been overbuilt. Fast forward to in 2025, the narrative has reversed. The number of registered vehicles in Chandigarh has surpassed its human population, making it the city with the highest per capita vehicle density in India.

The Union Territory had a population of 1.25 million, but a vehicle count of 1.32 million, according to the Annual Report on Road Safety in Chandigarh, 2023.

This motorisation boom has brought the city's famed gridiron layout under severe strain. Travel times have increased sharply, say commuters.

"Commuting three kilometres used to take five to six minutes a few years ago. Now it takes 15 to 20...