Vehicle registrations dip in Nagaland during first half of 2025

Heavy Goods Vehicles dominates

Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 6

The first six months of 2025 witnessed a notable decline in vehicle registrations across Nagaland, breaking away from the steady upward trajectory observed over the previous four years.

Official data sourced from the VAHAN dashboard revealed that 13,812 vehicles were registered between January and June 2025, marking a 12.5% decrease compared to 15,795 vehicles registered during the same period in 2024.

This decline follows three consecutive years of growth, with 13,698 vehicles registered in 2023 and 13,106 in 2022. 

Vehicle registrations in Nagaland during the two pre-pandemic years averaged over 16,800 for the first half (16,539 in 2019 and 17,163 in 2018). However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact, with registrations falling to approximately 8924 in 2020 and 9831 in 2021.

The numbers recovered sharply thereafter and had been on an upward trend until the slight detour in 2025. However, pre-pandemic levels are yet to be reached.

The dip in 2025, though not drastic, suggests a possible market correction or shifting consumer sentiment amid broader economic factors. 

Monthly trends offer a clearer picture of fluctuating demand. Registrations peaked in April 2025 at 2,573 units, before falling to 2,025 in June, indicating a slower start to the year.

As of July 5, 2025, total vehicle registrations in Nagaland had reached 14,196, including 384 new registrations in July. If this trend continues, the annual total may fall short of the 27,766 vehicles registered in 2024.

Electric vehicles still on fringe

An analysis of fuel-wise registrations, shows that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continue to dominate the state’s roads. Diesel-powered vehicles accounted for 7560 registrations, outpacing petrol vehicles at 5500. There were also 615 petrol/ethanol-blend vehicles and 404 petrol/hybrid units.

In contrast, the presence of electric vehicles remains minimal. Only 10 pure electric vehicles (EVs) and 34 strong hybrid EVs were registered during the period. One Electric Battery Operated Vehicle (BOV) was also recorded. CNG-only and LNG vehicle registrations stood at 70 and 1, respectively.

The persistently low uptake of EVs, despite national-level incentives and growing public discourse on cleaner alternatives, reflects ongoing infrastructural and affordability challenges in the state.

HGV dominates, personal mobility holds steady

In terms of vehicle categories, personal mobility remains consistent. Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) accounted for 3,50 registrations during the first half of the year, followed by Two-Wheelers (Non-Transport) with 3,46 registrations. The presence of Three-Wheelers (Transport) was modest, with 329 units, while Light Passenger Vehicles added another 214 registrations.

However, the standout figure from the 2025 data is the registration of 5,67 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)—the highest among all vehicle categories, surpassing even two-wheelers and light motor vehicles.

Top manufacturers

Among vehicle manufacturers, Tata Motors Ltd emerged as the most registered brand with 2,73 vehicles. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd followed closely with 1,92 registrations. Ashok Leyland Ltd registered 1,711 vehicles, while Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd accounted for 1255 registrations.

In the two-wheeler segment, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd led with 964 registrations, followed by TVS Motor Company Ltd (712), Bajaj Auto Ltd (506), and Hero Motocorp Ltd (423).

High-end vehicles maintain steady presence

Despite the state’s modest economic profile, several high-end and luxury brands made their presence felt, albeit in small numbers. BMW registered two vehicles, Mercedes-Benz three, and Jaguar Land Rover India six during the period. Premium motorcycles such as Harley Davidson and India Kawasaki Motors saw one registration each.

While personal mobility trends remain relatively stable, the disproportionately high number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (5367) registered in the first six months stands out in the dataset.

As of July 5, out of 4,74,077 total vehicle registrations in Nagaland so far, 1,84,037 are shown to be HGVs, raising several questions. Given the limited scale of industrial and freight activity in the state, such numbers merit deeper investigation.

Registration of Vehicles in Nagaland during the first 6 months 

Source: VAHAN Dashboard (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahan4dashboard/) assessed on July 5.

Total Registration Data of Nagaland (2025)

 Source: VAHAN Dashboard (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahan4dashboard/) assessed on July 5.

VEHICLE CATEGORY 

Source: VAHAN Dashboard (https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahan4dashboard/) assessed on July 5.

Fuel category