NSO releases India's first National Household Travel Survey: two-wheelers lead work commutes, buses dominate overnight trips

📅 05 October 2026 📍 India Important

On 5 October 2026, the NSO (MoSPI) released findings of India’s first-ever National Household Travel Survey (July 2025–June 2026): 42.6% of workers commute by two-wheeler and buses carry 55.8% of overnight household trips.

Summary

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the key findings of the first-ever all-India National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), conducted from July 2025 to June 2026, on 5 October 2026. The survey covered 4,92,023 households and 20,34,371 persons across 14,274 villages and 10,377 urban blocks, and counted only trips of one kilometre or more. Two-wheelers are the main mode for 42.6% of workers going to work, while buses (55.8%) and railways (17.7%) account for most overnight household journeys. The average monthly commuting cost is ₹785 per worker and ₹443 per student.

Key facts

Survey: National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) — first-ever all-India
Conducted by: NSO, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Period: July 2025 – June 2026
Sample: 4,92,023 households; 20,34,371 persons; 14,274 villages; 10,377 urban blocks
Trip counted: Travel of 1 km or more
Workers using two-wheelers: 42.6%
Overnight trips: Bus 55.8%, rail 17.7%
Students walking to school: 37.0%
Monthly commute cost: ₹785 per worker (urban ₹1,044, rural ₹612); ₹443 per student

Practice MCQs 3 questions

India’s first-ever National Household Travel Survey, whose findings were released in October 2026, was conducted by:

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Correct answer: B — National Statistics Office (MoSPI)

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI conducted the first-ever National Household Travel Survey during July 2025 – June 2026.

Q2 Advanced

According to the National Household Travel Survey (2025-26), which is the most used primary mode of transport for workers commuting to work?

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Correct answer: C — Two-wheeler

Two-wheelers are the single largest primary mode for workers, used by 42.6% (37.1% rural, 52.3% urban).

Q3 Advanced

In the National Household Travel Survey (2025-26), what share of overnight household trips were made by bus?

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Correct answer: D — 55.8%

Buses (55.8%) were the main mode for overnight household trips, followed by inter-city railways (17.7%).