1,016 two-wheelers registered on Gudi Padwa

As Gudi Padwa is considered an auspicious day for new purchases, many opt for vehicles on this day.

So, Thane regional transport office (RTO) decided to keep their offices open for registration on Sunday so that residents who purchase vehicles do not face inconvenience.

Till Thursday, there was an average daily registration of 50 vehicles, but from Friday to Monday evening 1,016 two-wheelers and 511 four-wheelers had been registered at the Thane RTO.

"Many did not expect RTO to remain open on Sunday and to avert a huge crowd on Gudi Padwa, several registrations were completed on Friday and Saturday itself. Around 500 vehicles were registered on Friday and Saturday alone," says Sanjay Dole, RTO.

"On Monday, around 32 cars were registered which is a normal figure for a working day, although the figures are not overwhelming this year. There have been a lot of two-wheelers which have been purchased by Thanekars. Even during Dussehra we saw many two-wheelers being preferred over four-wheelers in the city," adds Dole.

Somehow residents find it easier to travel by a two-wheeler within Thane. "Commuting inside Thane is not that easy. To go from the station to places like Vartak Nagar or Ghodbunder Road itself is very costly by an autorickshaw and one cannot depend on buses due to bad frequency. So, two-wheelers are the best way to commute," says Sukesh Poojary, a resident of Vartak Nagar.