Over the last decade, India’s roads have undergone a dramatic transformation. Small hatchbacks that once dominated Indian streets are increasingly being replaced by large SUVs and oversized vehicles. From compact urban roads to crowded residential colonies, towering vehicles have become symbols of success, aspiration, and status. But beneath this rising preference lies a serious question: Are Indians buying vehicles for utility, or for social image? The question is important because India is not merely becoming a richer country — it is becoming a more congested one. Roads are shrinking under the pressure of rising vehicle ownership, parking shortages are becoming permanent urban crises, and commute times in major cities are growing worse every year. In such a scenario, the rapid shift toward larger cars raises concerns that go beyond personal choice. It affects traffic flow, public space, fuel consumption, road safety, and urban planning itself. Your argument is valid to a si...