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Patna,(BiharTimes): Some attribute this development to the manifold increase in corruption at all levels in the state in the last few years. Others project it as a positive sign of development.
Anyway Bihar, in particular its capital Patna, has witnessed three-fold increase in the sales volume of all types of automobiles, especially cars and SUVs in the past five years.
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According to transport department figure, the sale of cars, including SUVs, in the state has risen to 32,566 in the financial year ending 2011-12 from 11,839 in 2006-07. Patna has witnessed 2.5 times increase in the sales volume of car/SUV in the past five years––5,978 in 2006-07 to 15,511 in the financial year ending March 31, 2012.
The overall sales figures of automobiles, including truck, bus, taxi, three-wheeler, two-wheeler and tractor, have witnessed a jump of a little over three times from 1,47,309 vehicles in 2006-07 to 4,39,671 vehicles in 2011-12.
Almost all automobile companies have either opened their showrooms or are in the process of opening their outlets in the state capital.
Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker, entered the Patna market in November last year and now Japan’s leading car manufacturer Honda and another European car maker Skoda, also owned by Volkswagen, are set to open their showrooms in Patna. Nissan, too, is planning to open its showroom in the coming few months.
Interestingly, these swanky and luxurious vehicles can now be found in a large number in rural and suburban pockets of the state, as they are flush with money. Besides, there is no problem of parking them. The figures above clearly showed that while rest of Bihar saw about three-times jump in the sale of cars, the state capital Patna witnessed 2.5 times increase. This obviously suggests that there is more money outside Patna to buy them.
If in early 1990s MLAs would flaunt with Tata Sumos, today one can hardly imagine a mukhiya without Scorpio, Safari, Xylo, Endeavour, Balero or Pajero. Apart from mukhiyas and netas, builders, real estate dealers and coaching institute owners have the weakness to buy big cars.
After metros sale of car was highest in Patna even in 1990s. Late Dr Arvind Narayan Das, former Editor (Research) The Times of India, in his book The Republic of Bihar discussed this phenomenon in detail.
For example a relatively small city like Bhagalpur used to have the showroom of Cielo car in mid-1990s. Later Chevrolet opened its showroom in Patna.
Unlike other metros Patna still has space for parking cars, though the city too is becoming congested.
What is strange is that most of the well-placed professionals working in good private firms, doctors, executives, journalists etc still opt for small cars. Why: anyone can draw one’s own conclusion.
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