Over 2.19 Lakh Vehicles in Chandigarh Operate Without Insurance, Parliament Data Reveals
In a startling disclosure that underscores significant road safety and regulatory concerns, official data presented in Parliament has confirmed that more than 2.19 lakh vehicles registered in Chandigarh are currently plying without valid insurance. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) shared this critical information in the Lok Sabha on February 5, 2026, in response to an unstarred question.
Alarming Statistics and Immediate Implications
According to records extracted from the Vahan portal, a total of 2,19,289 vehicles in Chandigarh were categorized as uninsured despite being listed as active as of February 4, 2026. This figure represents a substantial portion of the city's vehicular population and highlights a pervasive compliance gap.
Transport officials have emphasized that the absence of mandatory third-party insurance leaves accident victims in a precarious position. When uninsured vehicles are involved in collisions, compensation claims often become entangled in legal complexities, leading to delays and financial distress. The liability shifts directly to vehicle owners, frequently resulting in protracted court battles and economic hardship for all parties involved.
Chandigarh's Unique Challenges: High Vehicle Density and Enforcement Strain
The issue is particularly acute in Chandigarh due to the city's exceptionally high vehicle density. With approximately 14.27 lakh registered vehicles, Chandigarh boasts more vehicles than residents. This congestion is further exacerbated by daily commuter influx from neighboring areas such as Mohali and Panchkula, placing immense pressure on the city's road infrastructure and stretching enforcement capabilities to their limits.
An official from the Chandigarh Administration acknowledged that these statistics point to clear gaps in compliance that demand urgent and coordinated action. In response, the transport department and traffic police are expected to intensify their efforts through:
- Enhanced reliance on digital databases for real-time monitoring
- Targeted checking drives to identify and penalize uninsured vehicles
- Comprehensive awareness campaigns highlighting the legal and financial risks of driving without insurance
National Context and Proposed Legislative Reforms
At the national level, MoRTH informed Parliament that India has over 14.31 crore uninsured vehicles, with the highest proportion falling in the two-wheeler category—a trend believed to be mirrored in urban centers like Chandigarh. In light of these widespread challenges, the Central government has confirmed that amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are under active consideration.
While specific details of the proposed changes remain undisclosed, officials indicated that the revisions aim to strengthen road safety protocols, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance deterrence against violations. The ministry has articulated a comprehensive road safety framework built around four critical pillars:
- Education: Expanding driver training infrastructure through Institutes of Driving Training and Research, Regional Driving Training Centres, and Driving Training Centres, alongside awareness initiatives like the Road Safety Advocacy Scheme and National Road Safety Month.
- Engineering: Implementing mandatory road safety audits by independent experts at all stages of National Highway development, from design to operation, and prioritizing the rectification of accident-prone black spots and pedestrian safety measures.
- Enforcement: Leveraging the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which introduced higher penalties and enabled greater use of technology, including electronic monitoring devices on high-risk corridors and financial incentives for states to expand enforcement infrastructure.
- Emergency Care: Enhancing victim assistance through schemes like Rah-Veer, increasing compensation for hit-and-run cases, deploying ambulances with trained staff on National Highways, and implementing the Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025.
The revelation of over 2.19 lakh uninsured vehicles in Chandigarh serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust enforcement and public awareness to safeguard road users and ensure timely compensation for accident victims.
