Locals parking their two-wheelers just outside the automated parking instead of the parking inside. (Pic by Satish Raut)

 

 

 

M ulti-level and automated parking facilities are often presented as a key solution to Nagpur’s growing parking and traffic problems, particularly, in busy commercial areas. However, with the city currently offering space for just 651 vehicles across its three automated parking facilities, many citizens are questioning whether the infrastructure is sufficient to make a noticeable difference on the ground. Nagpur’s three automated parking facilities together can accommodate 540 two-wheelers and 111 four-wheelers. While the projects were developed to reduce roadside parking and ease congestion, users say the capacity is too small when compared to the city’s rapidly growing vehicle population and the heavy parking demand in major market areas.

 

Many commuters feel that, unless parking facilities are built on a much larger scale, congestion in commercial zones will remain a daily challenge. They argue that, future projects should be capable of accommodating hundreds of cars at a time, especially, in high footfall areas where parking shortages are most severe. Apart from capacity, convenience is another concern. Several motorists say automated parking systems take longer than conventional parking lots when it comes to parking and retrieving vehicles. As a result, many continue to leave their vehicles on roadsides rather than use designated facilities. Parking charges have also come under scrutiny. Residents say, the rates need to be affordable if authorities want more people to shift to organised parking. Many believe parking infrastructure should be treated as a public service aimed at reducing congestion rather than as a source of revenue. The problem is particularly visible at the Sitabuldi automated parking facility.

 

Encroachments by shopkeepers and illegal roadside parking by commercial establishments have narrowed the approach road, which created bottlenecks and making access difficult. Citizens and activists have repeatedly demanded strict action against encroachers occupying public space. Nagpur currently has three automated parking facilities developed by Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) - one at Sitabuldi with a capacity of 240 two-wheelers and 22 cars, another at Itwari accommodating 150 two-wheelers and 25 cars, and a newly-developed facility at Tabla Market Chowk in Maskasath near the Orange City Water (OCW) office with space for 150 two-wheelers and 64 cars. Despite the infrastructure, utilisation remains below expectations. Pradeep Jain, Project Incharge of Spark Machineries Pvt Ltd, said only about 70 per cent of the available capacity is utilised even during weekends and peak shopping days. “Many motorists still prefer roadside parking because it is easier and helps them avoid parking charges. Access issues at Sitabuldi further discourage people from using the facility,” he said. 

 

 

Residents say parking fees is one of the biggest reasons for the low usage. At present, users are charged Rs 20 for two-wheelers and Rs 40 for cars for up to four hours. Daily commuters, shop employees and regular visitors consider these rates expensive and have demanded affordable monthly passes. “The parking facility is modern and useful, but reaching it is often a challenge because of encroachments on the approach road. The city invested heavily in smart parking, but weak enforcement is reducing its effectiveness,” said Rahul Deshmukh, a regular visitor to Sitabuldi market. However, Smart City officials are optimistic about the newly-developed Maskasath facility. They believe, it will perform better as the area does not face the same level of encroachment problems seen around the Sitabuldi and Itwari parking facilities.