Bharat Mobility Expo: Is This The Return of the Spectacle for the Auto Enthusiasts in India?

For an enthusiast, the opportunity to see the best of automotive under one roof is nothing short of a dream come true. Now, I am one of the lucky few whose passion closely intertwines with their profession, and thanks to this overlap, I have had the privilege of attending every single edition of Auto Expo in Delhi NCR over the past 15 years – whether as an auto journalist or a visitor. While a lot has changed during this time, including the venue, there is no denying that the anticipation leading to the expo has experienced a decline. This could be attributed to the new venue in Greater Noida, which is less accessible as compared to Pragati Maidan in Delhi. Alternatively, it may have been the result of the proliferation of information on the internet – in an attempt to build up excitement and anticipation for an event by disseminating online information, this approach paradoxically ends up doing the exact opposite. Regardless of the reason, one thing remains evident – it is not the same as it used to be. Until now, that is…

The Bharat Mobility Expo made its debut at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in early February, marking the return of a large-scale automotive exhibition to this venue after over a decade. Judging by the sheer numbers, it has proven to be a resounding success. So much so that it is well on its way to becoming an annual event capable of raising questions regarding the necessity of future Auto Expo events. Numbers aside, the biggest highlight of the event was the participation of brands that have boycotted the Auto Expo in recent years. From premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW and performance brands like Lamborghini to large volume automakers like Volkswagen and Skoda and two-wheeler manufacturers like Honda and Royal Enfield – all were present at the Bharat Mobility Expo. While notable names, like Mahindra, Audi, Renault, Harley-Davidson, and Triumph, gave it a miss, the turnout was significantly larger in magnitude compared to previous Auto Expo events.

Indeed, the Bharat Mobility Expo featured some exciting unveils like the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Norton V4CR, and the near production-ready Tata Curvv. However, to merely focus on the cars and bikes showcased during the event would be to overlook the broader significance of the event. It’s important to keep in mind that it was the inaugural edition of the Mobility Expo and therefore was more of a test to gauge its potential.

So, what is it all about? Well, the event’s name itself encapsulates its essence – Mobility. It embodies a vision that transcends the mere display of vehicles, encompassing technology, infrastructure, and the evolving landscape of automobiles. As the boundaries between technology, infrastructure, and automobiles continue to blur, the Bharat Mobility Expo is poised to grow into a more comprehensive and impactful event in the future.