Government of Maharashtra’s ‘parking policy’ in Nagpur is frequently violated and inadequately enforced, leading to severe traffic congestion and disputes. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) nonchalance against misuse of parking space at various commercial establishments has added to the woes of motorists who find it difficult to park their vehicles. Nagpur implemented a strict, technology-driven parking policy to reduce congestion, featuring over 60 designated on-street parking zones and automated ‘Pay and Park’ systems, but the rules are frequently violated due to lack of co-ordination between authorities themselves. The inaction by authorities has only allowed the violators to become more brazen and flout rules with impunity. The designated parking zones are marked with white painted lines for 13,500 plus two-wheelers and 4,000 plus four-wheelers throughout the city.

 

The parking policy also mentioned that new building development must adhere to strict Development Control Rules, requiring dedicated stilt, basement, or open space for parking, especially for apartments exceeding specific size limits. As special zones, the under-flyover areas are designated for two-wheeler parking. Despite all these rules, the parking policy in Nagpur is violated and inadequately enforced, leading to severe traffic congestion and disputes, particularly in commercial areas like Dhantoli, Ramdaspeth, Sitabuldi, Panchasheel Square, and near major, busy, local, market spots. Despite the Traffic Police taking action against motorists for illegal parking, commercial establishments often misuse their assigned parking spaces for other purposes.

 

Commercial buildings and hospitals often repurpose designated parking areas for storage, godowns, or businesses, forcing visitors to park on the road. When asked about stricter implementation of parking rules in city to a senior official of NMC, he replied that, the implementation of parking rules in city comes under the Traffic Police Department and NMC is just responsible for demarcating lines for parking. With this statement, the officer shrugged his hands off on the matter, which is another reason for failure of parking policy in the city. While Traffic Police regularly penalise motorists, the NMC doesn’t take any action against commercial properties that violate approved building plans. Encroachment on footpaths is a major issue as many shops owners and roadside vendors encroach the parking areas. NMC conducts anti-encroachment drives, but the issue is still hanging fire. Traffic expert Raju Wagh claimed that there is a need for stricter enforcement of rules against commercial violators and enhance public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.

 

He also suggested that, there is a need to make proper use of available urban space for parking and to not allow change of usage of approved parking areas in commercial projects. Infrastructure gaps: With over 16 lakh vehicles, the city suffers from a lack of sufficient, organised, multi-level parking, forcing people to park on narrow roads and footpaths. Unused facilities: Multi-level parking lots, such as the one at Variety Square, have faced delays in usage, increasing the pressure on street parking. New initiatives: The city is testing new off-street parking spots with plans for future, better-structured parking management, including checking for parking availability for new vehicle registrations.